Measuring breathing and airflow for voice evaluation using a new device
Official title: Vital capacity & airflow measurement for voice evaluation: A vortex whistle system
Funded at University of Central Florida · NIH-10917238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, affordable device called a vortex whistle that helps measure how well you can breathe and use your voice, making it easier for speech therapists to understand and treat voice disorders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Central Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orlando, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $628,109 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC020799-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917238 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may have voice disorders or coordination issues affecting their speech.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have voice disorders or respiratory issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving voice evaluation by accurately measuring respiratory capacity and airflow, which are crucial for assessing voice disorders. The team aims to develop a low-cost, non-mechanical device called a vortex whistle that can provide reliable measurements of vital capacity and phonatory airflow. By combining techniques from voice science, acoustics, and engineering, the researchers will validate this device to ensure it can be used effectively in clinical settings. This approach addresses the current limitations faced by speech-language pathologists due to the high cost of traditional equipment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more accessible and affordable method for evaluating voice disorders in children.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using a vortex whistle is innovative, similar studies have shown that low-cost devices can successfully measure respiratory parameters in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Central Florida
Orlando, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Awan, Shaheen — University of Central Florida
- Study coordinator: Awan, Shaheen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.