Temporal Variables in Voice Therapy

Aligned or misaligned: Are public funding models for speech-language pathology reflecting recommended evidence? An exploratory survey of Australian speech-language pathologists

Government subsidised funding arrangements serve as an essential medium for families to access private speech-language pathology (SLP) services in Australia. This study aimed to investigate whether, from a provider perspective, contemporary public funding models (PFMs) align with best-available scientific evidence for management of children and young persons with swallowing and communication disorders within Australian private-practice settings. This exploratory study was distributed to paediatric speech-language pathologists throughout Australia via an online survey. A total of 121 valid surveys were completed by Australian speech-language pathologists with divergent career experiences. In comparing three familiar PFMs using mixed effects logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios, results indicated that perceived congruence with recommended scientific evidence for SLP management varied across PFMs: the odds of failing to align with scientific evidence was 4.92 times higher for Medicare's Chronic Disease Management Plan (MBS_CDMP) than for the National Disability Insurance Scheme; and 7.40 times higher in comparison to Medicare's Helping Children with Autism initiative. This study is the first to report on (in)congruence between PFMs that provide access to independent Australian SLP services for children and young persons and best available scientific evidence to inform clinical practice. Participants identified that: (a) four out of seven contemporary PFMs were unfamiliar to speech-language pathologists; and (b) MBS_CDMP initiative failed to align with the evidence-base for best scientific SLP management.

Efficacy of Long-Term Intensive Straw Phonation Exercise in Air for Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders: A Preliminary Study

PURPOSE

Literature highlights the efficacy of prolonged use of straw phonation for vocally healthy individuals. Nevertheless, minimal studies have examined the prolonged use of single treatment in hyperfunctional voice disorders (HFVD), as straw phonation is used as physiological training to improve voice quality in these individuals. The present study aimed to investigate the long-term intensive training effect of straw phonation exercise in air (SPEA) for HFVD.

METHOD

In a time series design, seven females with HFVD (mean age 42.28years) participated in SPEA for 12 long sessions (30 minutes/session) intensively trained for 3weeks (4days/week). The participant-recorded voice samples were analyzed for aerodynamic measures Aerodynamic Subglottic Pressure (ASP), Airflow Rate (AFR), glottal behavior measures Contact Quotient (CQ), Contact Quotient Range (CQR), acoustic measure Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), auditory-perceptual Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice - Kannada (CAPE-V-K), and self-perceptual measure Voice Handicap Index - Kannada (VHI-K) at pre-therapy, mid-therapy, post therapy, and 1-month follow-up timelines. Related Friedman's two-way analysis of variance and post hoc Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyze the change in outcome measures across therapy timelines.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in ASP, CQR, AVQI, CAPE-V-K, and VHI-K measures from pre-therapy to post-therapy and follow-up timelines was observed. Although there was a decrease in AFR and CQ measures from pre therapy to post therapy and follow-up, no significant differences were observed. No significant changes were observed from pre therapy to mid-therapy in any outcome measures, indicating the need for extended therapy duration and regular practice.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide preliminary evidence of implementing the long-term intensive training of SPEA for HFVD with the support of significant outcome measures at various therapy timelines.

Toward Sham Interventions for Behavioral Voice Treatment Outcome Research in Female Students Without Dysphonia

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To develop sham voice treatment techniques to be used in voice treatment outcome research, and to investigate their effectiveness as sham. This entails that the techniques induce no changes in voice or voice physiology, yet still lead to a perception of efficacy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized blinded controlled study.

METHODS

Three distinct sham intervention protocols (SIPs) were conceptualized as placebic comparators for three common voice treatment approaches with focus on vocalization (SIP1), respiration (SIP2), and manipulation (SIP3). Forty-eight female students participated in the study. Each participant attended ten 30-minute sessions over 5weeks, including a baseline evaluation, three sessions of one SIP, an inter-SIP voice assessment, three sessions of a second SIP, and a final post-SIP assessment. Auditory-perceptual and instrumental voice evaluations were used as voice treatment outcome measures. The participants' perception of voice-related quality of life was evaluated using the French Voice Handicap Index (VHIFR). Frequentist as well as Bayesian statistical methods were applied for group comparisons. The effects of combining two SIPs, the potential influence of SIP order, and experimenter/clinician effects, were also investigated.

RESULTS

The respiration-based SIP2 showed changes only in sound intensity level on a sustained vowel across the three sham intervention sessions. In contrast, the vocalization-based SIP1 impacted sound intensity level on a sustained vowel, sound intensity level on read text, and maximum phonation time. The manipulation-based SIP3 affected smoothed cepstral peak prominence on read text, Acoustic Voice Quality Index, and Dysphonia Severity Index. SIP2 thus demonstrated the highest alignment with the study's objectives, followed by SIP1 and SIP3. GRBASI ratings revealed no statistical differences for any SIP. VHIFr decreased significantly after all three SIPs. Combining the SIPs generally replicated the effects observed when each SIP was used individually. There was no order effect or experimenter/clinician effect on the results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated significant changes in participants' perceived voice quality (measured with VHIFr) across various SIPs, despite minimal impact on objective voice function measures. Further investigation is necessary to establish one or more protocols as genuinely sham interventions.

The Effectiveness of Gender Affirming Voice Training for Transfeminine Clients: A Comparison of Traditional Versus Intensive Delivery Schedules

INTRODUCTION

Gender affirming voice training is a service provided by speech language pathologists to members of the trans and gender diverse community. While there is some evidence to support the effectiveness of this training, the evidence base is limited by a lack of prospective studies with large sample sizes. Finally, there has been only limited research investigating the effectiveness of this training when delivered on intensive (compressed) schedules, even though such schedules are used in clinical practice and may have practical benefits such as increasing service access for this vulnerable population.

METHODOLOGY

This study aimed to investigate and compare the effectiveness gender affirming voice training among 34 trans individuals presumed male at birth aiming to develop a perceptually feminine/female-sounding voice. Among these 34 participants, 17 received their training on a traditional schedule (one 45-minute session per week over 12 weeks) and 17 on an intensive scheduled (three 45-minute sessions per week over 4 weeks). Building on a previous mixed methodological study which indicated that these two training groups were equally satisfied with training outcomes, the current study utilised a wide range of self-report, acoustic, and auditory-perceptual outcome measures (including self-ratings and listener-ratings of voice) to investigate training effectiveness.

DISCUSSION

Results from this study indicated that both training programs were similarly effective, producing positive statistically significant change among participants on a range of outcome measures. Participants in both groups demonstrated significant auditory-perceptual and acoustic voice change and reported increased satisfaction with voice, increased congruence between gender identity and expression, and a reduction in the negative impact of voice concerns on everyday life. However, as has been the case in past studies, training was not sufficient for all participants to achieve their goal of developing a consistently feminine/female-sounding voice.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence to suggest that gender affirming voice training for transfeminine clients may be similarly effective whether delivered intensively or traditionally. This study provides evidence to support the practice of using a wide range of outcome measures to gain holistic insight into client progress in gender affirming voice training programs.

Vocal Training in Healthy Individuals: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to map the characteristics and effects of vocal training approaches in individuals with healthy voice.

METHODS

This is a scoping review based on three research questions: What are the interventions used for vocal training of individuals with healthy voice? What are their prescription parameters? What are their effects? The search was conducted electronically in the databases of Embase, Lilacs, Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. The study selection was based on the reading of titles, abstracts, and full text, applying the eligibility criteria. Data related to the characteristics of the publication, sample, and intervention were extracted. Measures/outcomes and results were also extracted. Quantitative synthesis was performed, and the results were presented in descriptive format.

RESULTS

In total, 221 studies were identified during the search, of which 23 were selected. The most frequently used approach in the vocal training of individuals with healthy voice was the Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise (SOVTE), mainly with tube and straw phonation. Many studies have focused on the immediate effect, with varying dosages. The main outcome measures were acoustic analysis, aerodynamic evaluation, electroglotography, and vocal self-assessment. Positive effects were mainly observed on aerodynamic and acoustic parameters. Only one study reported negative results in the self-assessment.

CONCLUSION

The SOVTE is most frequently performed to provide an immediate effect in the acoustic analysis and has also demonstrated positive effects on vocal self-assessment. Medium and long-term effects and dosages are rarely reported and should be also investigated.

Reliability, Measurement Error, and Responsiveness of the Voice Handicap Index: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reliability, measurement error, and responsiveness of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) for measuring voice handicap in individuals with voice disorders.

METHODS

This systematic review followed the recommendations of the COnsensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement INstruments. Studies that validated the VHI, analyzed the measurement properties of reliability, measurement error, or responsiveness, and had dysphonic individuals as the study population were included. The following electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The manual search was carried out on gray literature in the Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses, in addition to mapping citations and consulting an expert in the field. Evidence selection, data extraction, risk of bias analysis, certainty of evidence, and good psychometric measurements were performed by two blinded and independent reviewers. A meta-analysis was performed using Fisher's transformed r-to-z correlation coefficient and standardized mean difference. Heterogeneity was calculated using Tau² and I² statistical tests in JAMOVI 2.3.2 software.

RESULTS

Eighty studies were included in the meta-analysis. When assessing the risk of bias, most studies were classified as inadequate during the reliability and measurement error stages. In the responsiveness stage, they were classified as doubtful in the sensitivity and specificity sub-boxes and good in the comparison sub-box with a gold standard instrument. For psychometric properties, most studies were classified as indeterminate in terms of both reliability and responsiveness. In test-retest reliability and responsiveness, the average outcome differed significantly from zero, indicating agreement between the test and retest moments and a significant reduction in the VHI score after intervention. Considering certainty of the evidence, the level of evidence was very low in both the reliability and responsiveness stages. The analyzed studies did not evaluate observational errors, and hence, they were not considered in this review.

CONCLUSION

The VHI proved to be reliable and responsive in measuring voice handicap. However, it should be used with caution, as there is heterogeneity, a risk of bias, and no adherence to the analysis of observational error.

An eclectic Voice Therapy Program for the Treatment of Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders (HFVD)

PURPOSE

An eclectic voice therapy program includes sequenced and structured set of exercises combining direct and indirect intervention methods. Tailor-made exercise prescription with specific cultural adaptations are needed to provide a holistic change to voice quality.1 This study detailed the construction of an exercise prescription for participants with hyperfunctional voice disorder [HFVD] in the Indian context.

METHOD

The exercise program was developed based on literature related to vocal therapy approaches and delivery methods. Adaptations were introduced to a selected set of exercises. Five voice experts verified the exercises and their prescription for content and feasibility of use in the Indian context. Modification suggested by the experts were included for framing the final version of the exercise program. This structured therapy program was planned for 6 weeks (30 minutes duration/session offered individually twice per week, with a gap of two days between sessions in a week) with the goals to improve voice quality, flexibility, and endurance while speaking. Five participants with HFVD partook in the study for pilot testing. Stroboscopy, perceptual voice analysis, Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and Vocal Fatigue Index in Tamil (VFI-T) were used to report the therapy outcomes. Participants' report on the learning process and generalization of the program were documented. Wilcoxon-signed rank test was used to test the pre-post outcome measures.

RESULTS

An eclectic voice therapy program, i.e., Comprehensive Voice Habilitation Program [CVHP] was constructed and it included vocal hygiene instructions, warm-up & cool-down, easy onset, resonant voice, and carry over exercises. Participants completed the program in 14-18 sessions (over 7 to 9 weeks of therapy). All participants showed significant changes in vocal fold movement patterns, reduction in ventricular hyperadduction, overall grade of voice quality, DSI and VFI-T. Participants reported that pictorial illustrations, feedback, and monitoring sheets were useful in learning the exercises.

CONCLUSION

CVHP showed significant change in the voice-related outcome measures and was a viable program for treating HFVD.

Examining Therapy Duration in Adults With Voice Disorders

PURPOSE

This study examined the number of voice therapy sessions and the number of weeks in treatment to achieve desired voice outcomes in adults with voice disorders. Factors that may predict therapy duration were examined, as was the percentage of patients returning to the clinic for additional voice therapy after initial discharge.

METHOD

An observational cohort design was utilized. Data from 558 patients were extracted from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Voice and Swallow Outcomes Database. Patients diagnosed with muscle tension dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis, benign vocal fold lesions, laryngospasm/irritable larynx, and presbyphonia were examined. Patient demographics, auditory-perceptual assessments, acoustics, aerodynamics, videostroboscopy ratings, self-reported scales, and medical comorbidities were collected.

RESULTS

Patients required an average of 5.32 (SD = 3.43) sessions of voice therapy before voice outcomes were sufficiently improved for discharge. Average number of sessions ranged from 4.3 for presbyphonia to 6.7 for benign vocal fold lesions. Baseline overall Grade Roughness Breathiness Asthenia and Strain rating (p < .001), Dysphonia Severity Index (p < .001), Voice Handicap Index score (p < .01), age (p = .006), and occupational voice user status (p < .001) significantly predicted the number of therapy sessions required. Overall, 14.5% of patients returned for additional voice therapy following an initial discharge from treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings inform our understanding of how many sessions patients with voice disorders require to achieve desired voice outcomes. Additional research is needed to optimize the efficacy of voice treatment and determine how recurrence of dysphonia might best be prevented.

Clinical Experiences of Speech-Language Pathologists in the Rehabilitation of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

PURPOSE

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is a neurological voice disorder that is often first treated by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). In literature, little consensus is found regarding voice therapy onset, duration, frequency, and content. The aim of the current study is to investigate the clinical practice of SLPs for treatment of UVFP regarding diagnostics and treatment characteristics. Additionally, the study examined the personal experiences of SLPs regarding UVFP care.

METHOD

An online survey was completed by 37 respondents, all SLPs with experience in treating UVFP. Demographic characteristics, experiences with voice assessments and treatment modalities were examined. Lastly, experiences and opinions of SLPs on evidence-based practice and their own clinical practice were surveyed.

RESULTS

Almost all respondents used a multidimensional voice assessment with findings from laryngovideostroboscopy to assess UVFP. Laryngeal electromyography is not yet integrated in regular clinical practices. The most commonly used vocal techniques were resonant voice exercises, laryngeal manipulation, semioccluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTEs), vocal hygiene, and Vocal Function Exercises, with SOVTEs most often considered effective. A total of 75% of the respondents feel confident treating UVFP, and 87.6% believe it is important to stay updated on evidence-based practice. Variation in therapy timing and dosage was observed, and 48.4% of SLPs usually started early voice therapy within 4 weeks after UVFP onset.

CONCLUSION

Flemish SLPs generally feel confident treating UVFP patients and show interest in improving evidence-based practice. Initiatives to train clinicians further in UVFP care and encouraging SLPs to provide practice-based evidence will enhance the knowledge base for evidence-based practice in UFVP.

Evidence on Vocal Interventions in Adults: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To map the evidence on vocal intervention in people over 18 years old.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS), LIVIVO, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, SpeechBITE, and Web of Science. Gray literature was also used as an information source through searches on Google Scholar, Open Grey, ProQuest Dissertation and Thesis, and the Brazilian digital library of theses and dissertations. Systematic reviews (SR) with a population of individuals over 18 years old were included. The included reviews addressed speech-language pathology interventions in the vocal area with reports of their respective outcome. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was analyzed using the AMSTAR II tool. Quantitative analysis was performed by frequency distribution, and qualitative research was analyzed through narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

A total of 2,443 references were retrieved, among which 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies had critically low quality, lacking the use of population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (PICO) components. Among the included SRs, 40% were made in Brazil, 45% were published in the Journal of Voice, and 75% analyzed dysphonic patients. The most frequent intervention was voice therapy (direct therapy associated with indirect therapy approaches). Positive results were observed in most of the outcomes for all studies.

CONCLUSION

Voice therapy was described as inducing positive effects for voice rehabilitation. However, due to the critically low quality of studies, the literature did not enable us to understand the best results for each intervention. Well-designed studies are necessary to clarify the relationship between the intervention goal and how the intervention was evaluated.

The maximum phonation time as marker for voice treatment efficacy: A network meta-analysis

PURPOSE

There is a diversity in treatment approaches for voice therapy in which aerodynamic treatment effects between the approaches are lacking. The evidence of voice treatments on the maximum phonation time (MPT) was quantified using the statistical approach of a network meta-analysis (NMA).

DATA SOURCES

Three databases and manual search from inception to November 2021 were evaluated.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were considered which were reports of randomised controlled/clinical trials (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of a specific voice therapy treatment using MPT as an outcome measure in adult participants with voice disorders. Studies were excluded if participants had been diagnosed with neurological-motor-speech disorders or who were vocally healthy. Furthermore, no medical, pharmacological, or technical instrumental treatments were used.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension statement guidelines were followed. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using PEDro scale. Random effects model was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We identified finally 12 RCT studies (treatment groups n = 285, and control group without an intervention n = 62). Eight interventions were evaluated. The only effective intervention with a significant effect was vocal function exercises (VFE) (mean pre-post difference 6.16 s, 95% confidence interval, 1.18-11.13 s).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

VFE effectively improved MPT from pre- to post-treatment in comparison with other voice interventions which were identified in the present NMA. Further high-quality intervention studies with large samples sizes, multidimensional measures, and homogeneous groups of dysphonia are needed to support evidence-based practice in laryngology.

The Experiences of Trans and Gender Diverse Clients in an Intensive Voice Training Program: A Mixed-Methodological Study

Intensive schedules in behavioral voice therapy and training have been proposed to have a range of positive benefits including enhanced outcomes, high client and clinician satisfaction, and reduced client attrition. In the sub-field of behavioral voice training for trans and gender diverse clients, intensive schedules may also present a means of increasing service access opportunities for a vulnerable population. Despite the proposed benefits there has been limited research investigating client experiences in intensive voice training programs. The current study utilized a mixed-methodological approach to compare participant experiences in an intensively scheduled (three 45-minute sessions per week, over 4 weeks) versus a traditionally scheduled (one 45-minute session per week, over 12 weeks) voice training program for trans and gender diverse participants aiming to develop a perceptually feminine-sounding voice. Participant experiences were compared using a satisfaction questionnaire delivered to both training groups as well as thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted with participants in the intensive group. Results suggested that individuals in the intensive training program had both positive and negative experiences related to the intensive schedule, but all viewed the program favorably and expressed a preference for intensive training based on their experiences. However, it was also found that overall satisfaction and attrition did not differ significantly between the intensive and traditional training groups and that many factors contributing to participant satisfaction in the intensive program were unrelated to the intensive schedule. Results from the current study also suggest that experiences in intensive programs may be highly variable and mediated by factors such as clients' individual personalities and preferences. The current study concludes that intensive schedules present a viable alternative to traditional schedules in practice, with additional considerations and directions for future research also discussed.

Effects of voice therapy in children with vocal fold nodules: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Vocal fold nodules (VFNs) are the main cause of paediatric dysphonia. Voice therapy is recommended as the preferable treatment option for VFNs in children.

AIM

The aim of this systematic review is to provide an overview of the existing literature concerning the effects of voice therapy in children with VFNs.

METHODS & PROCEDURES

This systematic literature review was developed following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Embase were searched and the grey literature was checked. The search strategy was based on three concepts: VFNs, voice therapy and children. Two examiners independently determined article eligibility and extracted all relevant data from the included studies. The methodological quality of the included study was assessed using the QualSyst tool.

MAIN CONTRIBUTIONS

By identifying, evaluating and summarizing the results of all relevant studies about voice therapy in paediatric VFNs, this systematic review makes the available evidence more accessible to voice therapists, otolaryngologists and other relevant stakeholders.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

24 studies were included in this systematic review. Eight studies (8/24) reported a significant improvement for at least one outcome parameter after voice therapy. However, five papers (5/24) could not demonstrate significant changes after voice therapy. All studies that did not test for significance (11/24) found improvements for one or more outcome parameters. The overall quality of the included studies is adequate (55%). In sum, there is some evidence that voice therapy is effective in children with VFNs, but further well-designed research, especially randomized controlled trials, is necessary to confirm these results.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on the subject Voice therapy is preferable in children with VFNs because of the phonotraumatic nature of the nodules and the associated high recurrence rate after phonosurgery. Most voice therapists in clinical practice offer an eclectic voice therapy programme, consisting of direct and indirect voice therapy techniques. What this study adds to existing knowledge This systematic review provides a clear overview of the available evidence concerning the effects of voice therapy in paediatric VFNs. There is some evidence that voice therapy is an effective treatment option in children with VFNs, but well-designed research is scarce on this subject. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? This review shows that effectiveness studies with strong designs are very scarce in children with VFNs. Clinicians should be aware that few therapy techniques have been thoroughly investigated in this population. However, this review may guide voice therapists when creating a treatment plan for a child with VFNs because it identifies, evaluates and summarizes the results of all relevant individual studies about voice therapy in paediatric VFNs. Voice therapy seems to be effective in treating paediatric patients with VFNs, given the fact that a considerable number of included studies report significant improvements after voice therapy. Both direct and indirect therapy approaches appear to have a positive effect on the phonation of children with VFNs.

Mapping of the Execution of Resonance Tubes Phonation Immersed in Water Exercise in Adults: A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

To map the execution of resonance tubes phonation immersed in water exercise in adults with healthy or altered voices.

METHODS

This study was a scoping review. An electronic search was performed using the following databases: MEDLINE, LILACS, SCOPUS, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, gray literature, and a manual search. A blinded review was performed by two authors to determine the selection and extraction procedures. Studies with adult participants with dysphonic or healthy voices who underwent intervention with phonation in a resonance tube immersed in water in the context of the vocal clinic, with an experimental intervention, quasi-experimental, or before and after the intervention were included. Data from the publication, sample, execution, and results obtained from the exercises were extracted by two blinded reviewers. Disagreements were resolved through consensus. The analysis was performed quantitatively.

RESULTS

A total of 44 publications were analyzed. Among these, Brazilian studies were the most frequent, with a publication peak in 2020. The characterization of the sample was variable, with a higher frequency of participants of both sexes who were not voice professionals. The most frequent studies were before and after exercise with a resonance tube immersed in water, in one session, with an exercise execution time of 3 minutes; in cases of more than one series of executions, the 30-sseconds rest time was more frequent. The most used resonance tube was a flexible silicone tube, with a wall thickness of 0.1 mm, immersion container in a 500-, 510-, or 600-mL bottle, 2/3 filled with water, and the resonance tube immersed 2 cm from the water surface. The most used phonatory task was flow phonation with rounded lips similar to the articulation of the vowel /u/. Acoustic analysis and vocal self-assessment are the most commonly used outcome measures. The best results were obtained in the self-assessment.

CONCLUSION

There is significant variability in the information on the execution of resonance tubes phonation immersed in water exercise influenced by vocal diagnosis and experience with previous vocal training. Studies on the effects of this exercise have been concentrated over the last decade and are of the vocal training and therapy. Acoustic and self-assessment measures were used to verify the results, with self-assessment being the outcome that most frequently indicated positive results.

Changes in the Daily Phonotrauma Index Following the Use of Voice Therapy as the Sole Treatment for Phonotraumatic Vocal Hyperfunction in Females

Purpose The aim of this study was to use the Daily Phonotrauma Index (DPI) to quantify group-based changes in the daily voice use of patients with phonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction (PVH) after receiving voice therapy as the sole treatment. This is part of an ongoing effort to validate an updated theoretical framework for PVH. Method A custom-designed ambulatory voice monitor was used to collect 1 week of pre- and posttreatment data from 52 female patients with PVH. Normative weeklong data were also obtained from 52 matched controls. Each week was represented by the DPI, which is a combination of neck-surface acceleration magnitude skewness and the standard deviation of the difference between the first and second harmonic magnitudes. Results Compared to pretreatment, the DPI statistically decreased towards normal in the patient group after treatment (Cohen's d = -0.25). The posttreatment patient group's DPI was still significantly higher than the control group (d = 0.68). Conclusions The DPI showed the pattern of improved ambulatory voice use in a group of patients with PVH following voice therapy that was predicted by the updated theoretical framework. Per the prediction, voice therapy was associated with a decreased potential for phonotrauma in daily voice use, but the posttreatment patient group data were still significantly different from the normative control group data. This posttreatment difference is interpreted as reflecting the impact on voice use of the persistence of phonotrauma-induced structural changes to the vocal folds. Further validation of the DPI is needed to better understand its potential clinical use.

Active Ingredients of Voice Therapy for Muscle Tension Voice Disorders: A Retrospective Data Audit

Background: Although voice therapy is the first line treatment for muscle-tension voice disorders (MTVD), no clinical research has investigated the role of specific active ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of active ingredients in the treatment of MTVD. A retrospective review of a clinical voice database was conducted on 68 MTVD patients who were treated using the optimal phonation task (OPT) and sob voice quality (SVQ), as well as two different processes: task variation and negative practice (NP). Mixed-model analysis was performed on auditory–perceptual and acoustic data from voice recordings at baseline and after each technique. Active ingredients were evaluated using effect sizes. Significant overall treatment effects were observed for the treatment program. Effect sizes ranged from 0.34 (post-NP) to 0.387 (post-SVQ) for overall severity ratings. Effect sizes ranged from 0.237 (post-SVQ) to 0.445 (post-NP) for a smoothed cepstral peak prominence measure. The treatment effects did not depend upon the MTVD type (primary or secondary), treating clinicians, nor the number of sessions and days between sessions. Implementation of individual techniques that promote improved voice quality and processes that support learning resulted in improved habitual voice quality. Both voice techniques and processes can be considered as active ingredients in voice therapy.

Scoping opinion: Speech and language therapists' views on extending their role to the urgent ear, nose and throat pathway

BACKGROUND

In the UK, there is increasing pressure on ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinicians and departments, which is anticipated to amplify in the coming months and years due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and other workforce pressures. In the context of a national drive to advance practice of Allied Health Professionals to address some key challenges facing the National Health Service, we explored whether UK speech and language therapists (SLTs) felt it is possible to utilize and extend their existing skills to patients on the urgent 2-week wait (2ww) ENT pathway.

AIMS

To explore SLTs' views of extending their role to work with patients referred on the ENT 2ww pathway.

METHODS & PROCEDURES

Two separate focus groups were conducted using nominal group technique to generate and rank benefits and challenges of the proposed extension of role. Participants were invited to take part through Clinical Excellence Networks relevant to head and neck cancer and voice sub-specialties. Participants were competent in performing nasendscopy in at least a highly specialist role in voice or head and neck subspecialties.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS

Nine SLTs from England, Wales and Northern Ireland attended two focus groups. All were employed in band 8 roles in head and neck and/or voice. Eight were competent to Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists' scoping level 3. Important benefits of the proposed novel service delivery model were generated and ranked by participants, with both groups identifying improved quality and efficiency of service for patients among the most important. Disadvantages were then generated and ranked across the two groups with potential for misdiagnosis ranked as the most important by both.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

Participants responded that extending the SLT role into assessment of 2ww patients would provide benefits for quality of care, healthcare efficiency and the SLT workforce. The identified disadvantages require addressing if the proposed SLT-led model of service delivery is piloted in the UK. These include practical matters such as referral and prescribing rights, alongside wider implications such as support, governance, indemnity, acknowledgement and remuneration for the extended role. Nationally agreed competencies and training for the role are required if this model is to be successful.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject? International studies have shown that SLTs provide safe and effective assessment for routine ENT referrals with dysphonia and dysphagia, reducing ENT waiting lists in the process (Payten et al., 2020; Seabrook et al., 2019). The current study is the first, to the authors' knowledge, to explore views of the profession regarding SLTs' involvement in assessing patients on the more urgent ENT 2ww pathway in the UK, particularly in the primary care setting. What this study adds The greatest benefits of SLTs assessing patients with dysphonia and dysphagia in the 2ww wait clinic were felt to be for patients through prompt, holistic consultation from a clinician with expert knowledge in their disorder. The greatest disadvantages were posed for the workforce such as potential to miss diagnoses, risk of litigation and the increased burden of responsibility. While advantages are clear for service users, the disadvantages must be addressed if such a model is to be implemented. Clinical implications of this study Expert SLTs communicated strongly that SLTs would be a beneficial addition to the 2ww assessment clinic for patients with dysphonia and dysphagia. For this role to be piloted and implemented successfully, their concerns around increased responsibility, potential for litigation and missed diagnoses need to be addressed. If the SLT role is to be extended to the 2ww clinic, robust training, competencies, supervision, guidance and recognition are necessary to support clinicians in this role and protect patients. Some practical matters such as referral and prescription rights also require exploration.

Effects of speech therapy for transgender women: A systematic review

Background: For transgender women, communication and speech characteristics might not be congruent with their gender expressions. This can have a major influence on their psychosocial functioning. Higher quality of life scores were observed the more their voice was perceived as feminine. Speech language pathologists may play an important role in this, as the gender affirming hormone treatment for transgender women does not affect the voice. Aim: This systematic review aimed to provide speech and language pathologists with the current literature concerning the effects of speech therapy in transgender women in terms of acoustic and perceptual outcomes. Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used for reporting this systematic review. The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (using the PubMed interface) and Embase (using the embase.com interface) were used as electronic databases. All individual studies which measured the effects of speech therapy in transgender women were evaluated with a risk of bias assessment tool and levels of evidence. Relevant data were extracted from these studies and a narrative synthesis was performed. Results: 14 studies were identified through the databases and other sources. These studies show positive outcome results concerning pitch elevation, oral resonance, self-perception and listener perception. However, methodological issues contribute to problems with generalization and reproducibility of the studies. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for effectiveness studies using RCT designs, larger sample sizes, multidimensional voice assessments, well-described therapy programs, investigators blinded to study process, and longer-term follow-up data. Speech and language pathologists who work with transgender women may find these results essential for defining therapy goals.

Effectiveness of Intensive Voice Therapy Versus Weekly Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Noninferiority Randomised Controlled Trial With Nested Focus Group

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the noninferiority of intensive voice therapy and compare its effects with weekly voice therapy on multidimensional outcomes of voice and well-being, satisfaction, and attendance in people with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). The study further aimed to explore clinician's perceptions of barriers and enablers to implementation of intensive therapy.

STUDY DESIGN

Noninferiority randomised controlled trial with nested focus group.

METHODS

Twenty adults with MTD were randomised to receive either weekly voice therapy (1 hour per week for 8 weeks) or intensive voice therapy (1 hour, 4 days per week for 2 weeks). Participants were assessed by a blinded assessor twice before treatment, once post treatment and once at 4 weeks follow up on the primary outcome measure VHI and a range of secondary auditory-perceptual, acoustic, and patient (i.e., VoiSS, satisfaction) and clinician reported outcome measures (i.e., AusTOMs, attendance rates). Five Speech Language Pathologists also participated in a focus group to explore barriers and enablers to implementing intensive therapy, with questions and analyses guided by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

RESULTS

While noninferiority for the primary outcome measure VHI was not confirmed, secondary outcome measures revealed comparable within group clinically important improvements for VoiSS and the AusTOMs, as well as selected acoustic and auditory-perceptual measures for both groups. A trend of more improvements being maintained in the intensive group was identified. Comparably high satisfaction and attendance was also found between groups. Clinicians reported more enablers than barriers to providing intensive therapy which included beliefs that it led to greater progression and consolidation of patient learning, was supported by the local context and was associated with positive emotions. Barriers related to difficulties with booking and scheduling and the belief that intensive therapy was not for all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

While the current study was likely underpowered to establish non-inferiority of intensive therapy, secondary outcomes suggested that intensive therapy may produce comparable benefits to voice, wellbeing, satisfaction and attendance compared to weekly therapy and may be a viable therapy option for individuals with MTD. When implementing intensive therapy, clinicians should consider patient's preferences and availability, as well as systems which allow for flexible booking and therapy provision for patients. Clear recommendations for future research including the use of a larger sample and telehealth are also provided.

Conversation Training Therapy: Let's Talk It Through

This article introduces a novel approach to voice therapy called conversation training therapy (CTT). CTT is the first voice therapy approach to remove the therapeutic hierarchy common in most treatment programs. Rather, CTT uses patient-driven conversation as the sole stimuli in therapy to increase perceptual awareness of voice production in conversational speech. The genesis as to why CTT was developed, as well as the conceptual, theoretical, and component parts of CTT, will be explained. In addition, this article will offer examples of the language of therapy, as it applies to CTT and how to trouble-shoot if problems arise. Medical documentation relevant to CTT will also be outlined. Last, results from a recent efficacy study on CTT will be reported.

Mapping Meta-Therapy in Voice Interventions onto the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System

Meta-therapy refers to the clinical dialogue via which direct and indirect voice treatments are introduced and discussed, and which helps build a useful conceptual framework for voice therapy. Meta-therapy was idiosyncratically defined in previous work. However, the current colloquial narrative of meta-therapy is not standardized or specific enough to be reliably taught, rigorously studied, or clinically delivered with high fidelity. Therefore, this article uses a standard framework (the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System or RTSS) to further articulate and operationalize meta-therapy in vocal rehabilitation. Meta-therapy's conceptual framework generally aligns with the RTSS's treatment theory and associated concepts; e.g., the treatment component and its underlying ingredients, mechanisms of action, and target. Because the treatment theories in meta-therapy most frequently involve mechanisms of action related to information processing, they primarily map onto the RTSS's Representations treatment components. The treatment targets in meta-therapy are often focused on changes in the patient's cognitions, knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, intentions, and/or awareness regarding voice-related modifications. The ingredients in meta-therapy are frequently clinician actions conveying information with the goal of appropriately shaping the patient's mental representations, and are delivered with verbal cues, stories, analogies, etc. This manuscript provides specific examples of how meta-therapy is applied in clinical voice practice. Considerations for future investigation of meta-therapy are proposed.

The Patient's Opinion Regarding Different Service Delivery Models for Voice Therapy

Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the voice patient's opinion regarding three service delivery models for voice therapy: a short-term intensive voice therapy with individual sessions (IVT-I), a short-term intensive voice therapy with group sessions (IVT-G), or a long-term traditional voice therapy with individual sessions (TVT). Method Forty-six adult voice patients who followed either IVT-I, IVT-G, or TVT were contacted by e-mail with the request to fill in an online questionnaire reviewing their opinion about the received therapy. Several items concerning satisfaction, progress, time-related variables, transfer, and need for further therapy were scored by means of visual analog scales. Participants were also asked whether or not they continued voice therapy after the study. Results There were no significant differences between the three groups regarding the patients' perception of vocal quality improvement, degree of resolution of the voice disorder, duration of one session, total therapy duration, degree of transfer, need for further therapy, and actual continuation of therapy. A higher satisfaction rate was found for patients of the IVT-I and TVT groups than patients of the IVT-G group. The IVT-I group rated the therapy as too frequent compared with the TVT group who rated the frequency as optimal. Conclusion Results suggest that patients are equally satisfied and perceive a similar progress after individual short-term intensive voice therapy and individual long-term traditional voice therapy. This finding creates flexibility in selecting time-related variables depending on the specific case and situation. Patients who received individual therapy were more satisfied than patients who received group therapy. Future larger scale investigation is needed to confirm these results.

The effectiveness of voice therapy on voice-related handicap: A network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Treatment approaches for voice therapy are diverse, yet their differential effects are not well understood. Evaluations of treatment effects across approaches are important for clinical guidance and evidence-based practice.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

To quantify the evidence of treatment effectiveness on the outcome measure Voice Handicap Index with the 30-items (VHI-30) from existing randomised controlled/clinical trials (RCT) of voice therapy using the statistical approach of a network meta-analysis (NMA) with a random effects model.

TYPE OF REVIEW

Meta-analysis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched in MEDLINE (PubMed, 1950 to 2019), Embase (1974 to 2019) and Science Citation Index (1994 to 2019) using five key terms. The inclusion criteria were reports of randomised controlled/clinical trials (RCTs) published in English or German which evaluated the effectiveness of a specific voice therapy treatment using VHI-30 as an outcome measure in adult participants with non-organic or organic voice disorders. Studies were excluded if participants had been diagnosed with neurological motor speech disorders or who were vocally healthy. Furthermore, no medical, pharmacological or instrumental (eg voice amplification) treatments were considered.

EVALUATION METHOD

The primary outcome variable was VHI-30 with a score from 0 to 120. The pre-post treatment change in VHI-30 scores was an average score of 13 points related to various VHI-30 test-retest results.

RESULTS

We retrieved 464 publications (ie with duplicates) and included 13 RCTs, which evaluated nine interventions, in the final analysis. The most effective intervention with a significant and clinically relevant effect was Stretch-and-Flow Phonation (SFP) (mean pre-post difference -28.37, 95% confidence interval [CI], -43.05 to-13.68). Resonant Voice (RV), the Comprehensive Voice Rehabilitation Program (CVRP) and Vocal Function Exercises (VFE) also demonstrated significant improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the nine voice interventions identified with the present NMA, SFP, RVT, CVRP, and VFE effectively improved VHI-30 scores from pre- to post-treatment. SFP proved to be the most significant and clinically relevant treatment. Further contributions of high-quality intervention studies are needed to support evidence-based practice in vocology.

Vocal and Nonvocal Habits among Vedic Chanters

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The objective of the present study was to explore the voice concerns and vocal and nonvocal habits of Vedic chanters. <b><i>Participants and Method:</i></b> A cross-sectional design was used to study 200 Vedic chanters using a 36-item questionnaire. This questionnaire was developed and administered to explore their voice concerns and vocal and nonvocal habits. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings and K-means cluster analysis was carried out to identify clusters concerning voice quality and influence of habits. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The majority of Vedic chanters were involved in certain vocal habits such as use of loud voice while chanting and frequent throat clearing. Further, approximately half of the chanters expressed a concern towards their voice, while a vast majority experienced vocal fatigue. Cluster analysis helped in identification of 4 clusters: Vedic chanters with (1) good lifestyle and good voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 107), (2) good lifestyle but bad voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 15), (2) poor lifestyle and good voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 51), and (4) poor lifestyle leading to bad voice characteristics (<i>n</i> = 27). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> The findings of the present study provide useful information on voice concern and vocal and nonvocal habits among a unique population of individuals. The current study of Vedic chanters highlights the need to have a detailed understanding of their specific voice usage, demands, and voice characteristics.

The 2016 G. Paul Moore Lecture: Lessons in Voice Rehabilitation: Journal of Voice and Clinical Practice

This Paul Moore Lecture honors the contributions made by authors to the Journal of Voice during a period of 30 years, from 1987. Fifty articles were selected and included under the following five topics: (1) normalcy of the larynx and voice; (2) the clinical speech-language pathologist's evaluation; (3) the patient's perspective; (4) the core of vocal rehabilitation; and (5) behavioral versus organic dysphonias. The analysis reflects a vivid landscape of the specific area and significant advances in knowledge. It also shows the valuable interdependence between science and clinical practice. The topics highlight the following information: (1) The physical appearance of a healthy larynx varies across individuals with normal voices. (2) The voice is not a binary descriptor (normal versus abnormal) but a variable measure, with many cultural influences on the perceptual auditory analysis of a voice. (3) The clinical speech-language pathologist assessment is multidimensional and multiparametric, with both subjective and objective analyses. The patients' opinion about the impact of a voice problem on his or her quality of life is significant when proposing a treatment. Therefore, it is also included in the initial assessment. (4) Vocal rehabilitation is a nonlinear process that combines direct and indirect approaches. Evidence of the positive effect of voice therapy is now well established. (5) Behavioral dysphonias may be linked to self-regulation of the use of voice and this needs to be taken into consideration. Although organic dysphonias are not necessarily the result of harmful vocal behaviors, they too can benefit from vocal rehabilitation.

A Study of Vocal Facilitating Techniques Compared to Manual Circumlaryngeal Therapy in Teachers With Muscle Tension Dysphonia

OBJECTIVE

There are several voice therapy techniques been suggested in patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), however a few studies are compared between them. The purpose of present study was to compare the effect of vocal facilitating techniques (VFTs) and manual circumlaryngeal therapy (MCT) in teachers with MTD.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a randomized clinical trial study.

METHODS

Sixteen teachers with MTD (female; mean age: 38.6 ± 4.6 years) participated in this study. The participants allocated to two treatment groups: the first group received VFTs (n: 8) and MCT was presented to the second one (n: 8). In each group, the voice therapy techniques were given for 10 individual sessions twice a week. The effect of both techniques was assessed using voice handicap index (VHI) and dysphonia severity index (DSI).

RESULTS

Within group comparison, the VHI, DSI, and theirs components showed significantly better results after both treatment groups (P ≤ 0.05). Although, effect size was strong for all target features (η2 > 0.36); the greatest magnitude was obtained on the physical subscale of VHI following MCT and for the DSI after VFTs (η2 = 0.92 and 0.90, respectively). Moreover, the interactive effect of time and treatment groups indicated that there was significant main effect on the physical and functional subscales of VHI (P = 0.00 and 0.02, respectively) as well as I-low and DSI (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively).

CONCLUSION

VFTs and MCT are two effective techniques in voice therapy of teachers with MTD. However, the greatest improvement obtained on the DSI following VFTs and for the physical aspect of VHI after MCT demonstrated voice therapist can use appropriate technique based on the voice complaints and results of voice assessments in MTD.

Massed Versus Spaced Practice in Vocology: Effect of a Short-Term Intensive Voice Therapy Versus a Long-Term Traditional Voice Therapy

Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a short-term intensive voice therapy (IVT) with a long-term traditional voice therapy (TVT) on the vocal quality, vocal capacities, psychosocial impact, vocal tract discomfort, laryngological anatomy/physiology, and session attendance of patients with dysphonia. An additional comparison was made between an individual IVT (IVT-I) and a group IVT (IVT-G). Method A longitudinal, prospective controlled trial was used. Forty-six adults diagnosed with dysphonia were assigned to 1 of the 3 treatment groups. The IVT groups practiced with a frequency of 1 hr 20 min a day and a duration of 2 weeks. The TVT group practiced with a frequency of two 30-min sessions a week and a duration of 6 months. Both therapy programs were content-identical and guided by the same voice therapist. A multidimensional voice assessment consisting of both objective (maximum performance task, aerodynamic measurements, voice range profile, acoustic analysis, multiparametric voice quality indices) and subjective (subject's self-report, auditory-perceptual evaluation, flexible videolaryngostroboscopy) outcomes was used to evaluate the participants' voice. Results IVT made an equal progress in only 2 weeks and 12 hr of therapy compared with TVT that needed 6 months and 24 hr of therapy. IVT-I and IVT-G showed comparable results. Session attendance was clearly higher in IVT compared with TVT. Long-term follow-up results (1 year) were positive for the 3 groups, except for the self-reported psychosocial impact that increased in the IVT-I group. Conclusions Short-term IVT is at least equally effective in treating patients with dysphonia as long-term TVT. Group treatment seemed as effective as individual treatment. Attendance and cost-effectiveness are important advantages of IVT. A potential drawback might be an insufficient psychosocial progress. The golden mean between intensive and traditional treatment might therefore be an achievable, effective, and efficient solution for everyday clinical practice. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.7761872.

A mapping of the Speech Language Pathology practice pathway in verbal expressivity in the work of communicative competence

PURPOSE

Present a mapping of the Speech-language Pathology (SLP) practice pathway in verbal expressivity in the work of communicative competence.

METHODS

Study participants were 40 volunteer speech-language pathologists with extensive experience in the area of voice. They responded to questions about duration of work, number of participants, evaluation instruments, and training of the speech language pathologists who work in this area. They discussed specific issues related to the strategies of expressivity proposed and the vocal resources, exercises and terminology used.

RESULTS

The group agreed that communicative competence work is practical, conducted with small groups and preferably guided by a voice specialist. Expressivity exercises comprise a large part of the work and aim to promote communication consistent with the context and intention of discourse. Oral reading of texts with different emotions, simulations, and exercises of connected speech were mentioned as frequently-used strategies. Some points to be considered are associated with duration of communicative competence work, teaching-learning and andragogy issues involved in this process, and use of specific terminology in this area.

CONCLUSION

Further discussions involving such aspects seem to be fundamental for the systematic organization of information on the theme.

Surface electromyographic biofeedback for behavioral dysphonia in adult people: a systematic review

PURPOSE

To review systematically the literature and to analyze the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia.

RESEARCH STRATEGIES

Two authors performed an independent search in the following databases: Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science. A specific search strategy was developed for each database.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The review included studies that examined the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback compared to other direct vocal therapy intervention in adults with behavioral dysphonia. There were no restrictions in regard to language or date of publication.

DATA ANALYSIS

Analysis of the risk of bias, heterogeneity, quantitative and qualitative data, sensitivity, subgroups, and publication bias.

RESULTS

51 studies were identified, but only two cohort studies remained as prospects for analysis. The studies showed 100% uncertain risk of selection, performance, and detection bias. There was a high degree of clinical heterogeneity. The descriptive analysis showed a reduction in muscle electrical activity and improvement in vocal self-assessment using electromyographic biofeedback; however, it was not possible to calculate the effect size of the interventions. The present study was limited by the fact that it was unable to show a consensus for the majority of data analyzed.

CONCLUSION

The available literature does not support a conclusive finding about the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback compared to other direct interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia. The studies analyzed vary widely in their clinical procedures and methodology, making it impossible to determine the procedure's effectiveness.

Comparison of the efficacy of vocal training and vocal microsurgery in patients with early vocal fold polyp

Introduction

Vocal fold polyp is a benign proliferative disease in the superficial lamina propria of the vocal fold, and vocal microsurgery can improve the voice quality of patients with vocal fold polyp. In preliminary studies, we found that vocal training could improve the vocal quality of patients with early vocal fold polyp.

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficacies of vocal training and vocal microsurgery in patients with early vocal fold polyp.

Methods

A total of 38 patients with early vocal fold polyp underwent 3 months of vocal training (VT group); another 31 patients with early vocal fold polyp underwent vocal microsurgery (VM group). All subjects were assessed using laryngostroboscopy, voice handicap index, and dysphonia severity index, and the efficacies of vocal training and vocal microsurgery were compared.

Results

The cure rates of vocal training and vocal microsurgery were 31.6% (12/38) and 100% (31/31), respectively. The intragroup paired-sample t-test showed that the post treatment vocal handicap index, maximum phonation time, highest frequency (F0-high), lowest intensity (I-low), and dysphonia severity index in both the VT and VM groups were better than those before treatment, except for the jitter value. The intergroup independent-sample t-test revealed that the emotional values of vocal handicap index (t =  − 2.22, p = 0.03), maximum phonation time (t = 2.54, p = 0.013), jitter (t =  − 2.11, p = 0.03), and dysphonia severity index (t = 3.24, p = 0.002) in the VT group were better than those in the VM group.

Conclusions

Both, vocal training and vocal microsurgery could improve the voice quality of patients with early vocal fold polyp, and these methods present different advantages.

Preliminary study of Novafon local vibration voice therapy for dysphonia treatment

Background: The objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of a five-week Novafon local vibration voice therapy (NLVVT) program for dysphonia treatment.Methods: Eleven dysphonic subjects participated in this specific program.Results: Treatment effects were assessed during (i.e. weekly) and after NLVVT. Large and significant treatment effects were revealed in acoustics (i.e. spectrography), and multiparametric indices (i.e. Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), and Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI)) during and after NLVVT (all p values < .01). Additionally, self-evaluation (i.e. Voice Handicap Index (VHI)) showed a significant improvement after NLVVT (p < .01). Gender independent voice range profile parameters (i.e. acoustics) only showed significant effects after treatment (p ≤ .01), but not during the treatment. Finally, aerodynamic measurement (i.e. phonation quotient) showed low treatment effects after NLVVT, which were not significant (p > .05).Conclusions: The preliminary results showed that NLVVT might be successful in voice treatment. Large treatment effects might be expected in AVQI, DSI, spectrography and VHI after using NLVVT. Other voice characteristics showed smaller treatment effects (i.e. voice range profile parameters) or no meaningful treatment effects (i.e. phonation quotient).

Efficacy of intensive voice feminisation therapy in a transgender young offender

Research suggests that transgender young offenders are a uniquely vulnerable caseload that may benefit from speech pathology intervention to help bring their voice into alignment with their gender identity. However, no previous studies have investigated treatment efficacy in this population. This study investigated the impact of intensive voice feminisation therapy targeting fundamental frequency and oral resonance in a 17 year old transgender individual within a youth justice institution. Acoustic analysis, listener and self-ratings of vocal femininity, self-ratings of vocal satisfaction, a post-treatment structured interview, and pre- and post- treatment completion of the Transsexual Voice Questionnaire (TVQ^MtF) were utilised to determine treatment impact. Outcome measures indicated therapy was effective at increasing the client's vocal pitch and perceptually femininity without compromising vocal quality. However, the client was still not consistently perceived as female post-intervention and had difficulty implementing feminine speech strategies in discourse. This case study provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of intensive voice feminisation therapy in a youth offending population. This research also highlights the potential utility of speech pathologists working in youth justice settings, even when the timeframe for intervention is limited. Furthermore, this research paper validates the use of perceptual outcome measures in transgender voice work, by replicating previous findings in which significant correlations were found between perceptual ratings of vocal gender and client satisfaction.

Massed versus spaced practice in vocology: effect of a short-term intensive voice training versus a longer-term traditional voice training

BACKGROUND

In contrast with most medical and pharmaceutical therapies, the optimal dosage for voice therapy or training is unknown.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a short-term intensive voice training (IVT) with a longer-term traditional voice training (TVT) on the vocal quality and vocal capacities of vocally healthy non-professional voice users.

METHODS & PROCEDURES

A pre-/post-test randomized control group design with follow-up measurements was used. Twenty healthy female non-professional voice users with a mean age of 21.7 years (range = 20-24 years) were randomly assigned into a short-term IVT group (n = 10) or a longer-term TVT group (n = 10). Both groups received an identical 6-h lasting voice training. Only the distribution of practice varied between the groups: 2 h a day for 3 consecutive days for the IVT group versus two 30-min sessions a week for 6 weeks for the TVT group. In both groups, a voice assessment protocol consisting of subjective (questionnaire, participant's self-report, auditory-perceptual evaluation) and objective (maximum performance task, acoustic analysis, voice range profile, dysphonia severity index) measurements and determinations was used to evaluate the participants' voice pre- and post-training and at 6 weeks follow-up. Groups were compared over time using linear mixed models and generalized linear mixed models. Within-group effects of time were determined using post-hoc pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni corrections.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS

No significant time-by-group interactions were found for any of the outcome measures, indicating no significant differences in evolution over time between the groups. Significant time effects were found for maximum phonation time, lowest intensity, lowest frequency, highest frequency and dysphonia severity index, all improving over time in both groups. More in-depth within-group analyses indicate a preference for the IVT group regarding the evolution of maximum phonation time, lowest frequency and dysphonia severity index, and a preference for the TVT group regarding the evolution of lowest intensity.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

Short-term IVT may be equally, or even more, effective in training vocally healthy non-professional voice users compared with longer-term TVT.

Review of differential diagnosis and management of spasmodic dysphonia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The recent literature on spasmodic dysphonia is reviewed with regard to pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, treatment options, audits, and current methods of management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advances in technology have enabled clinicians to better understand the connection between brain and laryngeal function and dysfunction. Refinements in imaging and genetic investigation techniques have led to advances in the understanding of the underlying mechanism of this neurolaryngeal disorder. Development of diagnostic assessment tools and measures of quality of life hold the potential to improve treatment and care.

SUMMARY

Fifty articles published between 2014 and 2015 were selected for this review. The sources were drawn from several clinical specialties: 54% come under the scope of laryngology, 32% from neurology, and 14% from other areas. It remains poorly understood, misdiagnosed, and underdiagnosed. Its identification, diagnosis, treatment selection, and coordination of care require an expert specialist multidisciplinary team. More training is required to help people who have this chronic and psychosocially disabling voice disorder, which impinges on all aspects of their lives. Spasmodic dysphonia is now classified as a 'rare' disease in the United States. This designation will assist in international standards of diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management.

Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Systematic Review of Speech-Language Pathology Management

OBJECTIVES

Dysphonia due to unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can be characterized by hoarseness and weakness, resulting in a significant impact on patients' activity and participation. Voice therapy provided by a speech-language pathologist is designed to maximize vocal function and improve quality of life. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review literature surrounding the effectiveness of speech-language pathology intervention for the management of UVFP in adults.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a systematic review.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched using a range of key terms including dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis, and speech-language pathology. Eligible articles were extracted and reviewed by the authors for risk of bias, methodology, treatment efficacy, and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Of the 3311 articles identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria: seven case series and five comparative studies. All 12 studies subjectively reported positive effects following the implementation of voice therapy for UVFP; however, the heterogeneity of participant characteristics, voice therapy, and voice outcome resulted in a low level of evidence.

CONCLUSIONS

There is presently a lack of methodological rigor and clinical efficacy in the speech-language pathology management of dysphonia arising from UVFP in adults. Reasons for this reduced efficacy can be attributed to the following: (1) no standardized speech-language pathology intervention; (2) no consistency of assessment battery; (3) the variable etiology and clinical presentation of UVFP; and (4) inconsistent timing, frequency, and intensity of treatment. Further research is required to develop the evidence for the management of UVFP incorporating controlled treatment protocols and more rigorous clinical methodology.