# Neuromuscular control of the Larynx

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · 2020 · $604,215

## Abstract

Understanding the basic mechanisms of normal and abnormal voice production is centrally important to
the treatment of voice disorders. Glottal insufficiency from vocal fold paresis and paralysis is one of the
most common voice disorders encountered in clinical medicine. Neuromuscular dysfunction leads to
laryngeal left/right asymmetry and abnormalities of the two main independent variables related to glottal
vibratory characteristics and acoustic output: (1) vocal fold stiffness and (2) glottal channel pre-
phonatory shape (length, vertical height, and contour). A significant knowledge gap exits in our
understanding of the cause-effect relationship between these aspects of glottal asymmetry and their
acoustic, vibratory, and perceptual consequences. In this proposal we will systematically study
laryngeal asymmetry by (1) quantifying the effects of asymmetric laryngeal activation on acoustics,
aerodynamics, glottal vibration and vocal quality, (2) investigate glottal channel shape changes and
their effects on vibration in paresis/paralysis conditions and in normal phonation, and (3) systematically
evaluate the role of vocal fold implant stiffness and medial surface shape in the treatment of vocal
insufficiency. These investigations will provide an improved knowledge base on which to build an
evidence-based approach to treatment of neurogenic voice disorders.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9960487
- **Project number:** 5R01DC011300-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- **Principal Investigator:** Dinesh Khatri Chhetri
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $604,215
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2011-04-01 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9960487

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9960487, Neuromuscular control of the Larynx (5R01DC011300-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9960487. Licensed CC0.

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