Active Breathing and Abdominal Muscle Function in Singing Voice

Abstract

Introduction: Active breathing is essential in singing to control subglottic pressure and sustain vocal quality, involving not only the diaphragm but also the deep and superficial abdominal muscles such as the rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis. Objective: This study aims to enhance the use of abdominal muscles in active breathing during singing by integrating recent scientific evidence to enrich anatomical-functional understanding and strengthen vocal pedagogy. Methodology: A narrative review study was conducted, the literature search was conducted between May and September 2025 in academic databases, using inclusion criteria focused on the role of phonation in singing.  Results: Findings highlight that increased expiratory strength involves greater use of the anterior abdominal muscles, playing a key role in phonation by enabling more efficient air control and prolonging vocalization, while the diaphragm contributes to expiration. Conclusions: Phonation requires coordinated abdominal control, with the transversus abdominis, obliques, and diaphragm regulating expiration and air pressure, making them essential in both vocal training and speech therapy rehabilitation.