Vocal Conditioning in Human Voice Use: A Scoping Review Protocol of Vocal Training Approaches, Target Populations, and Functional Outcomes

Objective: To map and describe the extent, nature, and characteristics of evidence on vocal conditioning, focusing on systematic voice training approaches, target populations, and functional outcomes in human voice use. Introduction: Vocal conditioning approach that refers to systematic processes aimed at optimizing physiological, biomechanical, aerodynamic, and functional aspects of voice production. Despite its growing relevance to professional voice users in both spoken and singing domains, the concept lacks conceptual clarity, consistent terminology, and a unified framework. A scoping review is therefore needed to identify how vocal conditioning is described, operationalized, and investigated across diverse populations and training contexts. Inclusion criteria: This review will include studies involving human subjects of any age participating in vocal training with a clear and explicit focus on vocal conditioning. Additionally, evidence describing vocal practice focused on vocal conditioning will be included. Studies focused exclusively on the clinical treatment of dysphonia, pathology, or patient-based rehabilitation will be excluded. All training contexts (oral, vocal, artistic, communicative, or occupational) will be considered. Methods: The review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Key information sources will include; Medline, Embase, LILACS, CINAHL (EBSCO), Scopus, Web of Science, Taylor & Francis Online; Google Scholar, ProQuest Theses & Dissertations. No language or date restrictions will apply. Google Translation will be used when necessary. Study selection and data extraction will be performed independently by reviewers using predefined eligibility criteria. Data will be synthesized descriptively and presented in tables, narrative abstracts, evidence maps, and optional bibliometric visualizations.