Lung Capacity

Term Category: Anatomy

Lung Capacity is a term that encompasses four different measurements of volume, typically measured in liters.

Total Lung Capacity - the total capacity of the lungs, typically between 4-7 liters of air in adults.
Vital Lung Capacity - the maximum amount of air that can be expelled from the lungs, typically between 3-5 liters in healthy adults.
Residual Lung Capacity - the leftover volume of air after exhalation.
Tidal Lung Capacity - the volume of air expelled during normal resting respiration.

So What?
Total Lung Capacity is largely a fixed amount for a healthy individual and is unlikely to be increased, total lung capacity also has little practical effect on maximum phonation duration.
Vital lung capacity is a more important measure for singers and speakers, providing the maximum volume of air available for use during a single breath. In healthy singers, an increase in vital lung capacity is also unlikely to make a noticeable difference during the majority of repertoire.

Challenges
Several things can negatively affect a singer's total and vital lung capacities. Some of the most common are age and medical conditions such as COPD, Asthma, and obesity.

Exercises
As previously mentioned there is little that can be done to increase Total Lung Capacity in healthy singers. Vital lung capacity can be improved through various exercises, but the most effective will be cardio-vascular exercise. However, effort is likely better spent improving air efficiency instead.

To improve efficiency:
- Torso Anchoring Practice
- Thinner Fold Mass - may reduce required airflow
- Use More Twang - increased intensity without a need for more air
- Use a microphone (most styles use one to perform anyway)
- Duration Exercises - voiced or unvoiced
- Vocal Function Exercises

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