1
|
Gates K, Knowles T, Mach H, Higginbotham J, Holder T. Speech Amplification Device Usage for the Management of Hypophonia: A Survey of Speech-Language Pathologists. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:1662-1697. [PMID: 38563721 DOI: 10.1044/2024_ajslp-23-00395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to survey speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who assess and treat people with Parkinson's disease (PD) to gather insights into their decision making regarding their use or potential use of speech amplification technology for the management of hypophonia. METHOD A total of 111 SLPs who were currently practicing in the United States or Canada and had experience working with clients with PD for at least 2 years completed an anonymous Qualtrics survey. Questions were designed to probe the following areas: (a) degree of familiarity with amplification devices as a form of treatment for PD, (b) attitudes and perceptions of the implementation of these devices for PD, and (c) factors that influence the clinical decision to prescribe such devices. RESULTS Most participants (75; 71%) reported they had considered prescribing a device to at least one client with PD. When asked at which stages of speech or voice impairment they would consider the use of an amplification device for clients with PD, the most common response was for clients with moderate or severe hypophonia who were not stimulable for louder speech. However, 36 (32%) respondents indicated they would also consider an amplification device for clients who were stimulable for louder speech with severe hypophonia. When asked to rank the most important factors they would weigh when considering the prescription of an amplification device, they ranked the client's preference and comfort level as the most important consideration. CONCLUSION This study provides valuable clinical insights regarding how SLPs can approach utilizing speech amplification devices in the therapy environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Gates
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, NY
| | - Thea Knowles
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing
| | - Helen Mach
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Delaware, Newark
| | - Jeff Higginbotham
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, NY
| | - Thea Holder
- Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, University at Buffalo, NY
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Van Stan JH, Roy N, Stemple J, Gartner-Schmidt J, Gillespie AI, Whyte J, Duffy J, Turkstra L. Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System: Content and Criterion Validity Across Evidence-Based Voice Therapies for Muscle Tension Dysphonia. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:1774-1791. [PMID: 38597797 PMCID: PMC11253635 DOI: 10.1044/2024_ajslp-23-00362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Systematically improving voice therapy outcomes is challenging as the clinician actions (i.e., active ingredients) responsible for improved patient functioning (i.e., targets) are relatively unknown. The theory-driven Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) and standard, voice-specific terminology based on the RTSS (RTSS-Voice) may help address this problem. This qualitative study evaluated if the RTSS and RTSS-Voice can describe four evidence-based voice therapies for muscle tension dysphonia without missing critical aspects (content validity) and identify commonalities and differences across them (criterion validity). METHOD Qualitative interviews were completed between the clinicians (protocol experts) who developed and/or popularized the vocal function exercises, laryngeal reposturing, circumlaryngeal massage, and conversation training therapies as well as RTSS experts to produce RTSS specifications that met two consensus criteria: (a) The protocol expert agreed that the specification represented their treatment theory, and (b) the RTSS experts agreed that the specifications correctly adhered to both the RTSS framework and the RTSS-Voice's standard terminology. RESULTS The RTSS and RTSS-Voice comprehensively described voice therapy variations across and within the four diverse treatment programs, needing only the addition of one new target: overall auditory-perceptual severity. CONCLUSIONS The RTSS and RTSS-Voice exhibited strong content validity. The standard RTSS-Voice terminology helped identify, for the first time, commonalities and differences in treatment ingredients, targets, and mechanisms of action across four treatments developed for the same patient population. In the long term, the RTSS and RTSS-Voice could provide the framework for an ever-growing collection of clinically meaningful and evidence-based therapy algorithms with potential to improve research, education, and clinical care. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.25537624.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarrad H. Van Stan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | - John Whyte
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jaroentonyakorn P, Chinchai S, Bunrayong W, Wanicharoen N, Shibamoto I. The Efficacy of Voice Therapy via Hybrid Group Telepractice Program with Asynchronous Components for Primary School Teachers: A Pilot Study. J Voice 2024:S0892-1997(24)00182-6. [PMID: 38944541 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2024.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To determine the efficacy of a hybrid group telepractice program in voice therapy for primary school teachers. METHOD The participants, consisting of 12 teachers with voice disorders (three males and nine females), participated in 11 sessions of the telepractice program, divided into one training session on vocal hygiene, five practice sessions by themselves, and five group practice sessions in 5weeks. Data on the vocal handicap index (VHI) measure was obtained pre- and post-intervention. The voice analysis included fundamental frequency (local), jitter (local), shimmer (local), harmonic-to-noise ratio (local), and maximum phonation time assessed by Praat software. RESULT The VHI assessment revealed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in the emotional domain. There was no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in physical, functional, and total scores. Both males and females had no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) in mean fundamental frequency. However, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in jitter (local), shimmer (local), harmonics-to-noise ratio (local), and the maximum phonation time. CONCLUSION The group telepractice program in voice therapy for primary school teachers was effective. It could be utilized for voice therapy to prevent voice disorder problems in teachers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Piyawan Jaroentonyakorn
- Communication Disorders Division, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
| | - Supaporn Chinchai
- Communication Disorders Division, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
| | - Wannipa Bunrayong
- Communication Disorders Division, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
| | - Natwipa Wanicharoen
- Communication Disorders Division, Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand
| | - Isamu Shibamoto
- Department of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Seirei Christopher University, Shizuoka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wolfberg J, Whyte J, Doyle P, Gherson S, Muise J, Petty B, Tolejano CJ, Hillman RE, Stadelman-Cohen T, Van Stan JH. Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System for Voice Therapy: Application to Everyday Clinical Care. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2024; 33:814-830. [PMID: 38101322 PMCID: PMC11001165 DOI: 10.1044/2023_ajslp-23-00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rehabilitation intervention descriptions often do not explicitly identify active ingredients or how those ingredients lead to changes in patient functioning. The Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) provides guidance to identify the critical aspects of any rehabilitation therapy and supported the development of standardly named ingredients and targets in voice therapy (Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System for Voice Therapy [RTSS-Voice]). This study sought to test the content validity of the RTSS-Voice and determine if the RTSS-Voice can be used to identify commonalities and differences in treatment (criterion validity) across clinicians in everyday clinical practice. METHOD Five speech-language pathologists from different institutions videotaped one therapy session for 59 patients diagnosed with a voice or upper airway disorder. Specifications were created for each video, and iterative rounds of revisions were completed with the treating clinician and two RTSS experts until consensus was reached on each specification. RESULTS All 59 sessions were specified without the addition of any targets or ingredients. There were two frequent targets: (a) increased volition and (b) decreased strained voice quality. There were three frequent ingredients: (a) information regarding the patient's capability and motivation to perform a therapeutic behavior, (b) knowledge of results feedback, and (c) opportunities to practice voicing with improved resonance and mean airflow. Across sessions treating vocal hyperfunction, there was large variability across clinicians regarding the types and number of treatment components introduced, types of feedback provided, and vocal practice within spontaneous speech and negative practice. CONCLUSIONS The RTSS and the RTSS-Voice demonstrated strong content validity, as they comprehensively characterized 59 therapy sessions. They also demonstrated strong criterion validity, as commonalities and differences were identified in everyday voice therapy for vocal hyperfunction across multiple clinicians. Future work to translate RTSS principles and RTSS-Voice terms into clinical documentation can help to understand how clinician and patient variability impacts outcomes and bridge the research-practice gap. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24796875.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Wolfberg
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - John Whyte
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA
| | - Patricia Doyle
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington
| | | | - Jason Muise
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - Robert E. Hillman
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Tara Stadelman-Cohen
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - Jarrad H. Van Stan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu H, Hao G, Chen S, Ouyoung L, Liu Y, Li J, Duan H, Li Z, Liu Y, Zhong J, Liu B, Jiang J. Effectiveness and Feasibility of Telepractice on Voice Therapy for Female Teachers in Elementary Schools with Self-Reported Voice Disorders. J Voice 2024; 38:244.e1-244.e13. [PMID: 34583880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of telepractice in voice intervention for female teachers in elementary schools with self-reported voice disorders. METHODS Thirty-five female elementary school teachers with self-reported voice disorders volunteered to participate in the study. They were divided into a telepractice voice intervention group (experimental group N=18) and a face-to-face voice intervention group (control group N=17) based on their employment setting. The exact same treatment protocol was applied to both groups of subjects, except that the intervention group was seen through telepractice, and the control group was seen face-to-face. The treatment protocol includes vocal hygiene education and resonant voice therapy twice a week for a total of eight sessions. Auditory perceptual analysis, acoustic assessment, aerodynamic assessment and self-assessment protocol were conducted before the intervention and one week after the last intervention, and the differences before and after interventions within each group and between groups were compared. RESULTS There was no significant difference in baseline data including age, working years, and voice symptoms between the two groups. Both groups showed significant improvement (P<0.05) in all voice assessment before and after the treatment sessions, except for the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) assessment. No statistical difference was found in other pre- and post-intervention voice assessment changes between the two study groups. The control group presented higher improvement in the total score, and the two subdomain assessments of physiology and emotion. CONCLUSIONS Telepractice voice intervention can effectively improve the voice quality of female teachers in elementary schools, and telepractice therapy can be an effective alternative to face-to-face voice intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jinrang Li
- the Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital
| | | | | | - Yang Liu
- The Sixth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bane M, Angadi V, Andreatta R, Stemple J. Effect of Clinical Expertise on Efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises in Individuals With Typical Voice. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00361-2. [PMID: 37996344 PMCID: PMC11111589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To determine the effect of clinical expertise on efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) as measured by change in percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. The hypothesis was that clinical expertise would result in greater increases in percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS A convenience sample of 19 individuals with typical voice was recruited in a university academic clinic setting. All participants completed baseline assessment and 17 completed all study procedures. Participants were randomized to receive VFEs from an expert voice clinician with more than 40 years' experience (expert group (EG)) or from a master's student in Communication Sciences and Disorders trained in VFEs (novice group (NG)). The primary outcome measure was change in percent of maximum phonation time goal attained during VFE tasks 1 and 4. RESULTS Mean change scores for maximum phonation time were 27.71 (P = 0.001) and 25.31 (P = 0.003) for EG and NG, respectively. Both groups improved significantly on the primary outcome measure, but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 0.759). A Hedges'-g effect size of -0.14 [-1.10, 0.81] was obtained comparing EG and NG groups, indicating a small negative effect of limited clinical expertise on VFE outcomes in individuals with typical voice. CONCLUSIONS Speech-language pathologists with varied levels of expertise are capable of efficaciously administering VFEs in individuals with typical voice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bane
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky 40536.
| | - Vrushali Angadi
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Richard Andreatta
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| | - Joseph Stemple
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, Kentucky 40536
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nudelman C, Udd D, Åhlander VL, Bottalico P. Reducing Vocal Fatigue With Bone Conduction Devices: Comparing Forbrain and Sidetone Amplification. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2023; 66:4380-4397. [PMID: 37844616 DOI: 10.1044/2023_jslhr-23-00409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Altered auditory feedback research aims to identify methods to strengthen speakers' awareness of their own voicing behaviors, diminish their perception of vocal fatigue, and improve their voice production. This study aims to compare the effects of two bone conduction devices that provide altered auditory feedback. METHOD Twenty participants (19-33 years old, age: M [SD] = 25.5 [3.85] years) participated in a vocal loading task using a standard Forbrain device that provides filtered auditory feedback via bone conduction and a modified Forbrain device that provides only sidetone amplification, and a control condition with no device was also included. They rated their vocal fatigue on a visual analog scale every 2 min during the vocal loading task. Additionally, pre- and postloading voice samples were analyzed for acoustic voice parameters. RESULTS Across all participants, the use of bone conduction-altered auditory feedback devices resulted in a lower vocal fatigue when compared to the condition with no feedback. During the pre- and postvoice samples, the sound pressure level decreased significantly during feedback conditions. During feedback conditions, spectral mean and standard deviation significantly decreased, and spectral skew significantly increased. CONCLUSION The results promote bone conduction as a possible preventative tool that may reduce self-reported vocal fatigue and compensatory voice production for healthy individuals without voice disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Nudelman
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| | - Daniela Udd
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Viveka Lyberg Åhlander
- Faculty of Arts, Psychology and Theology, Department of Speech and Language Pathology, Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Pasquale Bottalico
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Atará-Piraquive ÁP, Herrera-Guzmán CL, Hernández-Contreras JR, Rincón-Pinilla MP, Peña-Campagnoli AT, Florez-Lancheros GP, Cantor-Cutiva LC. Effect of a Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program and Working Conditions on Voice Functioning of College Professors. J Voice 2023; 37:886-896. [PMID: 34275725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a Workplace Vocal Health Promotion Program (WVHPP) and working conditions on voice functioning of college professors. STUDY DESIGN This is a pre-post intervention study. METHODS College professors were randomly assigned in a control group or an intervention group. Participants filled out a questionnaire and recorded a voice sample at baseline and at the end of the follow-up. This program contains four sessions (2 face-to-face and 2 virtual sessions; one per week) focused on voice hygiene, vocal training, and strategies to modify teaching-learning process. RESULTS The Intervention group (n = 15) showed increased scores in V-RQOL in comparison with the control group (n = 14), but the effect was not statistically significant. After the program, shimmer decreased (P = 0.05), whereas MPT and HNR increased (P = 0.02 and 0.04 respectively) among professors in the intervention group after the implementation of the WVHPP. Concerning working conditions, number of students per class was statistically associated with SPL. MPT was statistically associated with age and good acoustics inside the classroom. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that implementation of a WVHPP, as well as working conditions, influence voice functioning measured by means of instrumental voice measures and voice-related quality of life. Therefore, workplace promotion programs may be good approaches to decrease the high prevalence of voice disorders among professors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lady Catherine Cantor-Cutiva
- Department of Collective Health, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; Program of Speech-Language Pathology, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hacıoğlu HN, Bengisu S. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Resonant Voice Therapy in Patients with Functional Voice Disorder. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00213-8. [PMID: 37659954 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to determine the effectiveness of resonant voice therapy (RVT) in patients with functional voice disorder and to examine the subjective and objective voice changes after the therapy. STUDY DESIGN This study adopted an experimental research design with a pretest-posttest control group. METHOD Thirty-four women participated in the study-17 in the experimental group and 17 in the control group. Voice hygiene training and RVT were applied to the experimental group. The Turkish version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-10) and GRBAS (Grade, Roughness, Breathiness, Asthenia, and Strain) scale were used for subjective voice assessment. Voice recordings were subjected to acoustic analysis on the PRAAT program. After an 8-week therapy program, the same process was repeated for post-test assessment. RESULTS In the voice analyses performed after RVT, which was applied to patients with functional voice disorders, the results of the acoustic analysis showed statistically significant differences in jitter, PPQ5, RAP, shimmer, APQ11, and NHR parameters. Subjective voice analysis indicated a statistically significant decrease in VHI-10 scores from 20.88 ± 5.33-9.06 ± 3.3 in the experimental group. The GRBAS score was 4.29 ± 1.2 before the therapy and 1.71 ± 1.1 after the therapy, which is a statistically significant decrease. The results point out that RVT has been effective in improving the objective and subjective parameters of patients with functional voice disorders. CONCLUSION RVT applied to patients with functional voice disorders provides significant improvement in acoustic and perceptual voice parameters. The RVT is an effective therapy method in the treatment of patients with functional voice disorders and should be considered as a therapeutic option.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Habibe N Hacıoğlu
- Fark Special Education and Rehabilitation Center, Independent Researcher, Yalova, Turkey
| | - Serkan Bengisu
- Fenerbahçe University Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cutchin GM, Shelly S, Petty B, van Leer E, Tripp RM, Klein AM, Gillespie AI. A Comparison of Voice Therapy Attendance Rates Between In-Person and Telepractice. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:1154-1164. [PMID: 36958015 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study sought to investigate whether a significant difference exists in attendance, cancellations, and no-shows between in-person therapy and telepractice. The authors hypothesized that telepractice no-show and cancellation rates would be less than in-person no-show and cancellation rates. METHOD This retrospective study manually reviewed and analyzed attendance, no-show, and cancellation data over a 3-month span of in-person-only visits (September 2019-November 2019) and a 3-month span of telepractice visits (September 2020-November 2020) conducted at the Emory Voice Center, a tertiary care practice in urban Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, data were collected for each patient's full course of therapy outside of the 3-month windows and analyzed for attendance, no-show, and cancellation patterns. RESULTS Data from 521 patients were available for review from the selected time frame. In 2019 (in-person), 157 patients met inclusion criteria, and in 2020 (telepractice), 176 patients were included. Therapy initiation, therapy attendance, and no-show rates had significant increases in the telepractice year, and cancellations made greater than 24 hr before the appointments had a significant decrease in the telepractice year. Furthermore, the overall course of therapy showed significantly fewer missed appointments and more attended appointments in the telepractice year. CONCLUSIONS Patients participating in voice therapy via telepractice are more likely to initiate treatment and attend treatment and less likely to cancel sessions compared with patients receiving treatment in person. These data combined with extant data on telepractice treatment efficacy indicate that telepractice should be considered standard of care and offered to all patients seeking treatment, as it removes many reported barriers to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace M Cutchin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University in St. Louis
| | - Sandeep Shelly
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Brian Petty
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eva van Leer
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Raquel M Tripp
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Adam M Klein
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bane M, Angadi V, Andreatta R, Stemple J. The Effect of Maximum Phonation Time Goal on Efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00098-X. [PMID: 37105793 PMCID: PMC10598240 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/ HYPOTHESIS To determine the effect of maximum phonation time goal on efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) as measured by percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. The hypothesis was that provision of a maximum phonation time goal would result in greater increases in percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS A convenience sample of individuals with normal voice were recruited in a university academic clinic setting. Of 34 participants who volunteered for the study, 28 completed baseline assessment and 19 completed all study procedures. Participants were randomized to complete VFEs with knowledge of their maximum phonation time goal (standard goal, SG), with knowledge of their maximum phonation time goal after three weeks (delayed goal, DG), or without knowledge of their maximum phonation time goal (no goal, NG). The primary outcome measure was percent of maximum phonation time goal obtained during VFE tasks one and four. RESULTS Mean change scores for maximum phonation time were 32.50 (SG), 34.55 (DG), and 21.02 (NG). Hedges' g effect sizes of -0.10 (-1.19, 0.99) and 0.56 (-0.55, 1.67) were obtained comparing DG and SG groups, and NG and SG groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Absence of maximum phonation time goal attenuates VFE efficacy; maximum phonation time goal is an active ingredient within VFEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bane
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Kentucky, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536.
| | - Vrushali Angadi
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Kentucky, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Richard Andreatta
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Kentucky, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Joseph Stemple
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Kentucky, 900 South Limestone, Lexington, KY 40536
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vinney LA, Tripp R, Shelly S, Gillespie A. Indexing Cognitive Resource Usage for Acquisition of Initial Voice Therapy Targets. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:717-732. [PMID: 36701805 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to index cognitive resource usage for acquisition of initial targets of two common voice therapy techniques (resonant voice therapy [RVT] and conversation training therapy [CTT]) based on the theorized depletion effect (i.e., when an initial task requiring high cognitive load leads to poorer performance on a subsequent task). METHOD Eleven vocally healthy participants, ages 23-41 years, read aloud the Rainbow Passage and produced consonant-vowel resonant targets (/mi, ma, mu/) followed by a baseline computerized Stroop task and a 15-min washout. Following this baseline period, participants watched and interacted with two videos instructing them in RVT or CTT initial targets. After viewing each video and practicing the associated vocal skills, participants rated the degree of mental effort required to engage in the target vocal technique on a modified Borg scale. Participants recorded their attempts at RVT on /mi, ma, mu/ and CTT on the Rainbow Passage, which were later rated by three voice-specialized speech-language pathologists as to how representative they were of each respective target technique. Changes in fundamental frequency and average auditory-perceptual ratings from baseline were examined to determine if participants adjusted their technique from RVT and CTT baseline to acquisition. RESULTS Performance on the Stroop task was, on average, worse post CTT than post RVT, but both post-CTT and post-RVT Stroop scores were poorer than baseline. These results suggest that both treatment techniques taxed cognitive resources but that CTT was more cognitively taxing than RVT. However, despite differences in raw averages, no statistically significant differences were found between the baseline, post-CTT, and post-RVT Stroop scores, likely due to the small sample size. Participant ratings of mental effort for CTT and RVT were statistically similar. Likewise, poorer post-RVT Stroop scores were associated with participants' greater perceived mental effort with RVT acquisition, but there was no significant association between mental effort ratings for CTT acquisition and post-CTT Stroop scores. Significantly higher fundamental frequency and perceived ratings of the accuracy of technique from baseline to acquisition for both CTT and RVT were found, providing evidence of vocal behavior changes as a result of each technique. CONCLUSIONS Brief exposure to initial treatment tasks in CTT is more cognitively depleting than initial RVT tasks. Results also indicate that vocally healthy participants are able to make a voice change in response to a brief therapy prompt. Finally, participant-rated measures of mental effort and secondary measures of cognitive depletion do not always correlate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Tripp
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, New York University, NY
| | - Sandeep Shelly
- Emory Voice Center, Department of Otolarynngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Amanda Gillespie
- Emory Voice Center, Department of Otolarynngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Donohue C, Carnaby G, Focht Garand KL. A Clinician's Guide to Critically Appraising Randomized Controlled Trials in the Field of Speech-Language Pathology. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2023; 32:411-425. [PMID: 36749981 DOI: 10.1044/2022_ajslp-22-00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE When considering original research articles, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) provide the highest level of research evidence. Given this, RCTS are often used by clinicians performing evidence-based practice to determine the most effective intervention for a specific patient or patient population. Although RCTs represent a high level of research evidence, it is important for clinicians to critically appraise RCTs to determine the validity of the study methods deployed, the statistical and clinical significance of treatment effects, and whether or not the results generalize to a particular patient, patient population, and/or clinical setting. Therefore, this tutorial will provide clinicians with an overview of what an RCT is, the various types of RCTs, when RCTs are appropriate to conduct and/or use to inform clinical practice, and the advantages and limitations of RCTs. Additionally, this tutorial will provide clinicians with practical tools to employ when reading an RCT, including checklists with questions, definitions of important terminology frequently used in RCTs, and demonstrations of how to critically appraise RCTs using literature examples from the speech-language pathology literature. CONCLUSIONS Learning how to interpret and apply the results from RCTs to inform clinical practice for purposes of improving patient care is a critical evidence-based practice skill for clinicians to develop. This tutorial will assist clinicians in the field of speech-language pathology by furthering their fundamental knowledge of RCTs and by providing them with pragmatic tools to critically appraise RCTs to inform their clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cara Donohue
- Aerodigestive Research Core Laboratory, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Breathing Research and Therapeutics Center, University of Florida, Gainesville
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Giselle Carnaby
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio
| | - Kendrea L Focht Garand
- Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, College of Allied Health Professions, University of South Alabama, Mobile
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nascimento A, Korn GP, Sacaloski M, Azevedo RR. Effects of Mechanical Vibration Stimulation of the Larynx on Voice Production. J Voice 2023; 37:291.e11-291.e19. [PMID: 33495035 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Combining mechanical vibration stimulation with resistance training to improve neuromuscular performance is a method that has gained popularity in the field of sports sciences. PURPOSE To evaluate the immediate and mid-term effects of mechanical vibration stimulation (G-Life NL3000) of the larynx associated to vocal exercises. METHOD Fourteen professional voice users divided into: Experimental Group - Seven participants who performed a 20-minute exercise protocol with humming applying mechanical vibration stimulation (G-Life NL3000) of the larynx once a day for 30 days; Control Group - Seven participants who performed only the 20-minute exercise protocol with humming. For comparison purposes, the evaluation was carried out pre-stimulation, immediately after simulation (post) and 30 days after stimulation (late-post). RESULTS The Experimental Group showed a statistically significant progress in the post-immediate evaluation and in the post-treatment evaluation for maximum phonation time (*P = < 0.001), Jitter (*P = 0.008), Shimmer (*P = 0.005), noise-to-harmonics ratio (*P = 0.005). In the GRBASI scale, the Experimental Group showed significant results in the post-treatment evaluation for Grade (*P = 0.005), Roughness (*P = 0.008), Breathiness (*P = 0.018) and Instability (*P = 0.018). A self-perception voice questionnaire showed better voice quality (*P= 0.031) and easier phonation (*P = 0.005) in the Experimental Group. CONCLUSION Mechanical vibration stimulation of the larynx associated to humming produced positive changes in the vocal pattern and significantly improvement in short and mid-term vocal quality for participants in this study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Nascimento
- Department of Speech Therapy - Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU) - Campus Santo Amaro - Av. Santo Amaro, 1239 - Vila Nova Conceição - 04505-002, São Paulo-SP, Brasil.
| | - Gustavo Polacow Korn
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) - Rua Pedro de Toledo, 947 - Térreo - Vila Clementino - CEP 04039-032, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Marisa Sacaloski
- Department of Speech Therapy - Faculdades Metropolitanas Unidas (FMU) - Campus Santo Amaro - Av. Santo Amaro, 1239 - Vila Nova Conceição - 04505-002, São Paulo-SP, Brasil; Campus Santo Amaro -, São Paulo -SP, Brasil
| | - Renata Rangel Azevedo
- Department of Speech Therapy - Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) - Rua Botucatu, 802 - Vila Clementino - CEP 4023900 - São Paulo- SP, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Siqueira LTD, Santos APD, Silva RLF, Moreira PAM, Vitor JDS, Ribeiro VV. Vocal Self-Perception of Home Office Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Voice 2023; 37:144.e15-144.e22. [PMID: 33250356 PMCID: PMC7604092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the self-perception of vocal fatigue symptoms and musculoskeletal pain in home office workers before and during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 424 individuals participated in this cross-sectional, observational, and descriptive study; they were stratified into the experimental group (EG), consisting of 235 individuals working from home office during the COVID-19 pandemic; and the control group (CG), with 189 individuals who continued to work in person during this period. All participants answered the vocal fatigue index and the musculoskeletal pain investigation questionnaires. The data were analyzed in a descriptive and inferential manner. RESULTS Participants in the EG reported more vocal fatigue symptoms and musculoskeletal pain than those in the CG before the pandemic. However, during the pandemic, the EG presented a higher frequency of pain in the posterior of the neck, shoulder, upper back, and temporal and masseter muscles, while the CG presented a higher frequency of pain in the larynx. With regard to vocal fatigue, during the pandemic, EG had an increase in scores to factors such as tiredness and voice impairment, avoidance of voice use, and total scores. No such differences were noted in the CG. CONCLUSION Workers who migrated to home offices during the COVID-19 pandemic are at risk of developing vocal disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Thaís Donalonso Siqueira
- Speech Hearing and Language Disorders Department, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru/Universidade de São Paulo - FOB/USP, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | - Vanessa Veis Ribeiro
- Speech-Language Pathology Department, Universidade Federal de Sergipe - UFS. Governador Marcelo Dedá Avenue, Lagarto, Sergipe, Brazil; Centro de Estudos da Voz - CEV, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Associate Postgraduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology, Universidade Federal da Paraíba - UFPB. Cidade Universitária, Conjunto Presidente Castelo Branco III, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Prakash P, Boominathan P, Mahalingam S. Acoustic Description of Bhramari Pranayama. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022; 74:4738-4747. [PMID: 36742539 PMCID: PMC9895480 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-021-03054-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The study's aim was (1) To describe the acoustic characteristics of Bhramari pranayama, and (2) to compare the acoustic features of nasal consonant /m/ and the sound of Bhramari pranayama produced by yoga trainers. Cross-sectional study design. Thirty-three adult male yoga trainers performed five repeats of nasal consonant /m/ and Bhramari pranayama. These samples were recorded into Computerized Speech Lab, Kay Pentax model 4500b using a microphone (SM48). Formant frequencies (f F1, f F2, f F3, & f F4), formant bandwidths (BF1, BF2, BF3, & BF4), anti-formant, alpha and beta ratio were analyzed. Nasal consonant /m/ had higher f F2 and anti-formant compared to Bhramari pranayama. Statistical significant differences were noted in f F2, BF3, and anti-formants. Bhramari pranayama revealed a low alpha ratio and a higher beta ratio than /m/. However, these differences were not statistically significant. Findings are discussed from acoustic and physiological perspectives. Bhramari pranayama was assumed to be produced with a larger pharyngeal cavity and narrower velar passage when compared to nasal consonant /m/. Verification at the level of the glottis and with aerodynamic parameters may ascertain the above propositions. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-021-03054-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Prakash Boominathan
- Department of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, 600116 Tamil Nadu India
| | - Shenbagavalli Mahalingam
- Department of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (Deemed to be University), Chennai, 600116 Tamil Nadu India
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bane M, Morton M, Angadi V, Andreatta R, Stemple J. Vocal Function Exercises With and Without Maximally Sustained Phonation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Individuals With Normal Voice. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00317-4. [PMID: 36379827 PMCID: PMC10175512 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of maximally sustained phonation on efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises as measured by percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. The hypothesis was that maximally sustained phonation would result in greater improvements in percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. METHODS A convenience sample of individuals with normal voice were recruited in a university academic clinic setting. Of 34 participants who volunteered for the study, 31 completed baseline assessment and 23 completed all study procedures. Participants were randomized to complete Vocal Function Exercises (traditional group TG), modified Vocal Function Exercises with reduced requirement for maximally sustained phonation (midpoint group MG), or modified Vocal Function Exercises with removed requirement for maximally sustained phonation (baseline group BG). The primary outcome measure was percent of maximum phonation time goal obtained during Vocal Function Exercises. RESULTS The MG (p = 0.008) and TG (p = 0.001) groups significantly improved percent of maximum phonation time goal attained after six weeks of exercise, while the BG group (p = 0.0202) did not (ɑ = 0.0125). Difference among groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.67, ɑ = 0.0125). Hedges' g effect sizes of 0.29 (-0.66, 1.25) and 0.51 (-0.57, 1.58) were obtained comparing MG and TG groups, and BG and TG groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Greater requirements for maximally sustained phonation improved efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises in enhancing normal voice as measured by percent of maximum phonation time goal attained. Maximally sustained phonation may be modified to some extent while preserving efficacy of Vocal Function Exercises, however complete elimination of maximally sustained phonation may attenuate improvement. Additional research in a clinical population is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bane
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Lexington, Kentucky.
| | - Mariah Morton
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Vrushali Angadi
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Richard Andreatta
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Joseph Stemple
- University of Kentucky Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Lexington, Kentucky
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Raveendran R, Yeshoda K. Effects of Resonant Voice Therapy on Perceptual and Acoustic Source and Tract Parameters - A Preliminary Study on Indian Carnatic Classical Singers. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00299-5. [PMID: 36376191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the study was to examine the effects of resonant voice therapy (RVT) on the vocal resonance of trained Carnatic singers. The specific objectives were to evaluate the effects of resonant voice therapy on the auditory perceptual judgments and acoustic source and tract parameters before and after RVT on phonation and sung voice samples. METHOD Six vocally healthy trained Carnatic singers, three males and three females aged 18-25 years (M = 23; S.D = 2.09) participated in the study. All the participants were assigned to a 21-days-long Resonance Voice Therapy (RVT) training program. The participants' pre and post training phonation and sung samples were subjected to auditory perceptual analysis and acoustic analysis. RESULTS The results revealed that the post training auditory perceptual ratings of the phonation task showed a statistically significant difference from the pre training scores (Z= 2.35; P = 0.019). While for the singing task, the post training perceptual ratings were not significantly different from the pre training perceptual rating scores (Z= 2.66; P = 0.08). A significant difference was observed between the pre and post training values for all the measured acoustic parameters of the phonation task. In singing task, though the fundamental frequency, third and fourth formant frequencies showed no significant difference in the pre and post training conditions (P > 0.05), the parameter of- difference between the first formant frequency and the fundamental frequency showed a significant decrease (P = 0.028). CONCLUSION The effects of resonant voice production led to a high vocal economy, as evidenced from the improved source and filter acoustic parameters. Indication for formant tuning through vocal tract modifications, probably an enlarged pharyngeal area resulting in increased resonant voice quality in both phonation and singing tasks, is inferred from these results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Revathi Raveendran
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysuru, India.
| | - Krishna Yeshoda
- All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Manasagangothri, Mysuru, India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nudelman CJ, Codino J, Fry AC, Bottalico P, Rubin AD. Voice Biofeedback via Bone Conduction Headphones: Effects on Acoustic Voice Parameters and Self-Reported Vocal Effort in Individuals With Voice Disorders. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00320-4. [PMID: 36372674 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explores sidetone amplification (amplified playback of one's own voice) provided via bone conduction in participants with voice disorders. The effects of bone conduction feedback on acoustic voice parameters and vocal effort ratings are examined. METHODS Speech samples of 47 participants with voice disorders were recorded in three auditory feedback conditions: two with sidetone amplification delivered via bone conduction and one condition with no alteration of the feedback. After each task, the participants rated their vocal effort on a visual analog scale. The voice recordings were evaluated by a speech-language pathologist through the GRBAS scale and processed to calculate the within-participant centered sound pressure level (SPL) values, the mean pitch strength (PS), the time dose (Dt%), and cepstral peak prominence smoothed (CPPS). The effects of the feedback conditions on these acoustic parameters and vocal effort ratings were analyzed. RESULTS The high sidetone amplification condition resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the within-participant centered SPL values and mean pitch strength across all participants. The feedback conditions had no statistically significant effects on the vocal effort ratings, time dose (Dt%), or CPPS. CONCLUSIONS This study provides an evidence that bone conduction sidetone amplification contributes to a consistent adaptation in the within-participant centered SPL values (ΔSPL) in patients with vocal hyperfunction, glottal insufficiency, and organic/neurological laryngeal pathologies compared to conditions with no feedback.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles J Nudelman
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois.
| | - Juliana Codino
- Lakeshore Professional Voice Center, Lakeshore Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
| | - Adam C Fry
- Lakeshore Professional Voice Center, Lakeshore Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
| | - Pasquale Bottalico
- Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| | - Adam D Rubin
- Lakeshore Professional Voice Center, Lakeshore Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, St. Clair Shores, Michigan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Behlau M, Almeida AA, Amorim G, Balata P, Bastos S, Cassol M, Constantini AC, Eckley C, Englert M, Gama ACC, Gielow I, Guimarães B, Lima LR, Lopes L, Madazio G, Moreti F, Mouffron V, Nemr K, Oliveira P, Padovani M, Ribeiro VV, Silverio K, Vaiano T, Yamasaki R. Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation. Codas 2022; 34:e20210241. [PMID: 36000681 PMCID: PMC9886189 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212021241pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part "A" we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part "B" focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Behlau
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo – UNIFESP - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | - Anna Alice Almeida
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Universidade Federal da Paraíba – UFPB - João Pessoa (PB), Brasil.
| | - Geová Amorim
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas – UFAL - Maceió (AL), Brasil.
| | - Patrícia Balata
- Apta Comunicação, Recife (PE), Brasil.,Universidade Federal de Pernambuco – UFPE - Recife (PE), Brasil.
| | - Sávio Bastos
- Centro de Fotobiomodulação e Saúde – CFOTOBIOS - Belém (PA), Brasil.
| | - Mauriceia Cassol
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre – UFCSPA - Porto Alegre (RS), Brasil.
| | | | - Claudia Eckley
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo – FCMSCSP - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | - Marina Englert
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | | | - Ingrid Gielow
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | - Bruno Guimarães
- Clínica Bruno Guimarães Serviços de Fonoaudiologia e Fisioterapia, Fortaleza (CE), Brasil.
| | | | - Leonardo Lopes
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Universidade Federal da Paraíba – UFPB - João Pessoa (PB), Brasil.
| | | | - Felipe Moreti
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Centro Universitário da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC – FMABC - Santo André (SP), Brasil.,Complexo Hospitalar Municipal de São Bernardo do Campo – CHMSBC - São Bernardo do Campo (SP), Brasil.
| | - Vanessa Mouffron
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais – UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG), Brasil.
| | - Katia Nemr
- Universidade de São Paulo – USP - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | | | - Marina Padovani
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo – FCMSCSP - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | - Vanessa Veis Ribeiro
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Universidade Federal da Paraíba – UFPB - João Pessoa (PB), Brasil.
| | - Kelly Silverio
- Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo – USP - Bauru (SP), Brasil.
| | - Thays Vaiano
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| | - Rosiane Yamasaki
- Centro de Estudos da Voz – CEV - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.,Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo – UNIFESP - São Paulo (SP), Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Banks RE, Cantor-Cutiva LC, Hunter E. Factors Influencing Teachers' Experience of Vocal Fatigue and Classroom Voice Amplification. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00192-8. [PMID: 35999093 PMCID: PMC9939560 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voice disorders among teachers are widespread. Teachers' voice problems have been shown to influence the teaching-learning process, thereby impeding students' academic performance. Voice amplification has been used as a preventative strategy to avoid voice problems and as a means of augmenting student reception of a teacher's voice. However, the relationship between perceived vocal fatigue and amplification use has not been established, nor have factors been identified which may be associated with the use of voice amplification in the classroom. PURPOSE This research has two aims: (1) determine the relationship between self-reported vocal fatigue and self-reported teachers' use of sound field amplification in the classroom; and (2) identify which factors are related with the use of amplification systems among the participating teachers. METHODS Paper and online surveys were provided to teachers throughout the United States. These surveys contained the 19-question Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI), in addition to other questions regarding health-related conditions and lifestyle habits of respondents. Access to and use of amplification systems, as well as other work-related factors that might influence the use of such systems were detailed by the respondents. RESULTS Regardless of grades levels or measured factors, teachers who reported using amplification systems were more likely to report higher levels of vocal fatigue. Teachers who taught in lower grade levels or in larger capacity classrooms not only reported a greater likelihood of using the systems more frequently, but also reported a greater access to amplification systems. Overall, less than 40% of teachers had access to an amplification system. Teachers of lower grades reported having the least access. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest an association between teachers' use of voice amplification systems and vocal fatigue. In addition, some work-related factors (eg, grade level, classroom capacity) were associated with the use of amplification systems. The results can be beneficial to teachers, school administrators, lawmakers and health professionals to more efficiently use diminishing educational resources in a targeted fashion to better train and potentially reduce the occurrence of voice problems among teachers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Russell E Banks
- Linus Health, Inc, Boston MA; Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.
| | - Lady C Cantor-Cutiva
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Eric Hunter
- Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Motohashi R, Tokashiki R, Konomi U, Sakurai E, Saito Y, Shoji Y, Osanai A, Tsukahara K. Effectiveness of Breath-holding Pulling Exercise in Patients with Vocal Fold Atrophy. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00199-0. [PMID: 35987739 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.06.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, the incidence of vocal fold atrophy has increased among the elderly. Vocal function exercises (VFE) are performed in patients with age-related vocal fold atrophy; however, treatment could be challenging if the patient is unable to go to the hospital or in hospitals that do not have a speech pathologist. Breath-holding pulling exercises are simple and can be performed anywhere for the management of such patients. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of breath-holding pulling exercises in patients with vocal fold atrophy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study METHODS: With the hands folded in front of the chest, the patients were instructed to take a deep breath, pull their hands to the left and right, and then hold their breath for 5 seconds. The physician instructed the patients to do this 10 times each morning, afternoon, and evening. Speech function, acoustic analysis, pitch range, and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) were evaluated and compared before and 4-8 weeks after treatment. RESULTS Maximum phonation time (MPT), the primary endpoint, significantly improved after treatment from 14.2 ± 6.6 to 20.3 ± 9.3 seconds. Among the secondary endpoints, mean flow rate (207.5 ± 104.4 to 165.1 ± 66.5 mL/s), pitch range (22.9 ± 8.3 to 26.2 ± 8.1 semitones), VHI-10 (18.1 ± 7.2 to 12.5 ± 6.3 points) jitter (2.5±1.6 to 1.7±1.2%), and shimmer (5.9±3.5 to 4.8±3.3%) showed significant improvement. CONCLUSION Breath-holding pulling exercises were found to be effective in patients with vocal fold atrophy. These can be performed in hospitals with no speech pathologists, in patients who are unable to go to the hospital, and in patients who are hospitalized or unable to speak loudly. Moreover, as with conventional VFE, the training method achieves a high level of patient satisfaction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ray Motohashi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Ryoji Tokashiki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Shinjuku Voice Clinic, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ujimoto Konomi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eriko Sakurai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu Saito
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Shoji
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayaka Osanai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoaki Tsukahara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Johnson AM, Pukin F, Krishna V, Phansikar M, Mullen SP. Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of Two Technology-assisted Vocal Interventions for Older Adults Living in a Residential Facility. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00221-1. [PMID: 35985896 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS An increasing number of older adults are seeking behavioral voice therapy to manage their voice problems. Poor adherence to voice therapy is a known problem across all treatment-seeking populations. Given age-related physical and cognitive impairments and multiple chronic conditions, older adults are more susceptible to low adherence to behavioral therapies. The purpose of this study was to test the feasibility of an at-home, vocal training intervention for older adults without a known voice disorder living in a senior living community, as well as compare the effects of two modes of mobile health (mHealth) technology-assisted vocal training targeting vocal function and adherence in older adults. STUDY DESIGN Cohort Study (Prospective Observational Study). METHODS Twenty-three individuals were recruited from a single residential retirement community and randomly allocated into two experimental groups. Both groups were asked to practice the Vocal Function Exercises with increasing frequency over an 8-week period. Tablets with instructions for performing the exercises were provided to all participants. The feedback group's tablets also contained an application providing real-time feedback on pitch, loudness, and duration. Acoustic and aerodynamic measures of vocal function and cognitive measures were obtained before and after the intervention. Self-reported measures of practice frequency, perceived vocal progress and changes, and motivation were obtained weekly. RESULTS The feedback control group adhered to the requested practice sessions more in the latter half of the intervention (weeks 5 and 8). Vocal function measures remained stable. Overall, a pattern reflecting self-reported vocal progress and a general improvement in working memory and global cognitive functioning was observed in the feedback group. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that an 8-week mHealth intervention is viable to facilitate vocal practice in older adults. Although vocal ability did not improve with training, results indicated that vocal performance remained stable and age-related vocal changes did not progress. Future research on implementation of mHealth applications in conjunction with behavioral voice therapy is warranted to assess adherence and improvements in vocal function in individuals with age-related voice problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Johnson
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York University Grossman School of Medicine. New York, New York, United States.
| | - Farrah Pukin
- Department of Communicative Disorders, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Vaishnavi Krishna
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Madhura Phansikar
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sean P Mullen
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Center for Social & Behavioral Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois; Illinois Informatics Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Furnas DW, Wingate JM. The Effects of Mask Usage on Reported Vocal Health of Educators. J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00115-1. [PMID: 35660265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the self-reported effects of mask usage on vocal fatigue and number of vocal complaints of high school and college educators. METHOD Forty teachers at high schools and universities who reported using masks to teach in person during the Spring 2020 to Fall 2020 semesters completed an anonymous survey regarding self-report of teaching history, vocal use, vocal complaints, and vocal health. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t tests. RESULTS Survey participants reported an increase in all forms of vocal complaints investigated despite an increase in amplification use. Participants also reported a decrease in daily water consumption between eight and 16 ounces of water when wearing a mask in the classroom compared to teaching prior to coronavirus disease 2019. Participants also reported a significant increase in vocal effort while teaching in a mask (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Educators reported a significant effect of increased vocal complaints and decreased water intake while wearing masks. The decrease in water consumption and increase in vocal effort may lead to more frequent vocal complaints in teachers at the high school and college level.
Collapse
|
25
|
Behlau M, Almeida AA, Amorim G, Balata P, Bastos S, Cassol M, Constantini AC, Eckley C, Englert M, Gama ACC, Gielow I, Guimarães B, Lima LR, Lopes L, Madazio G, Moreti F, Mouffron V, Nemr K, Oliveira P, Padovani M, Ribeiro VV, Silverio K, Vaiano T, Yamasaki R. Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation. Codas 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20212021241en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part “A” we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part “B” focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mara Behlau
- Centro de Estudos da Voz, Brasil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Anna Alice Almeida
- Centro de Estudos da Voz, Brasil; Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Brasil
| | | | - Patrícia Balata
- Apta Comunicação, Brasil; Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Brasil
| | | | - Mauriceia Cassol
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brasil
| | | | - Claudia Eckley
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Bruno Guimarães
- Clínica Bruno Guimarães Serviços de Fonoaudiologia e Fisioterapia, Brasil
| | | | - Leonardo Lopes
- Centro de Estudos da Voz, Brasil; Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Brasil
| | | | - Felipe Moreti
- Centro de Estudos da Voz, Brasil; Centro Universitário da Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Brasil; Complexo Hospitalar Municipal de São Bernardo do Campo, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Marina Padovani
- Centro de Estudos da Voz, Brasil; Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | | | | | - Rosiane Yamasaki
- Centro de Estudos da Voz, Brasil; Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Van Stan JH, Whyte J, Duffy JR, Barkmeier-Kraemer J, Doyle P, Gherson S, Kelchner L, Muise J, Petty B, Roy N, Stemple J, Thibeault S, Tolejano CJ. Voice Therapy According to the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System: Expert Consensus Ingredients and Targets. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:2169-2201. [PMID: 34464550 PMCID: PMC8702840 DOI: 10.1044/2021_ajslp-21-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Clinical trials have demonstrated that standardized voice treatment programs are effective for some patients, but identifying the unique individual treatment ingredients specifically responsible for observed improvements remains elusive. To address this problem, the authors used a taxonomy of voice therapy, the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS), and a Delphi process to develop the RTSS-Voice (expert consensus categories of measurable and unique voice treatment ingredients and targets). Method Initial targets and ingredients were derived from a taxonomy of voice therapy. Through six Delphi Rounds, 10 vocal rehabilitation experts rated the measurability and uniqueness of individual treatment targets and ingredients. After each round, revisions (guided by the experts' feedback) were finalized among a primary reader (a voice therapy expert) and two external readers (rehabilitation experts outside the field of voice). Consensus was established when the label and definition of an ingredient or target reached a supramajority threshold (≥ 8 of 10 expert agreement). Results Thirty-five target and 19 ingredient categories were agreed to be measurable, unique, and accurate reflections of the rules and terminology of the RTSS. Operational definitions for each category included differences in the way ingredients are delivered and the way individual targets are modified by those ingredients. Conclusions The consensus labels and operationalized ingredients and targets making up the RTSS-Voice have potential to improve voice therapy research, practice, and education/training. The methods used to develop these lists may be useful for other speech, language, and hearing treatment specifications. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.15243357.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarrad H. Van Stan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | - John Whyte
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jason Muise
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bick E, Dumberger LD, Farquhar DR, Davis H, Ramsey E, Buckmire RA, Shah RN. Does Voice Therapy Improve Vocal Outcomes in Vocal Fold Atrophy? Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2021; 130:602-608. [PMID: 32862670 PMCID: PMC9969873 DOI: 10.1177/0003489420952464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Vocal fold atrophy is increasingly identified in the geriatric population. Current literature shows varying outcomes with voice therapy. Our goal was to analyze multidimensional vocal outcomes of these patients who underwent voice therapy. Secondary aims included determining compliance and analyzing differences in patients who undergo surgery. METHODS 197 patients with vocal fold atrophy were included and reviewed. Patients were categorized by treatment received. Patient-reported, perceptual, aerodynamic, and acoustic voice outcomes were analyzed before and after therapeutic intervention. Changes were calculated and significance determined using Wilcoxon signed-rank and rank-sum tests. RESULTS 89(45%) received no therapy, 43(22%) incomplete therapy, 51(26%) complete therapy, 8(4%) surgery only, and 6(3%) therapy followed by surgery. Those who completed voice therapy showed significant improvement in voice related quality of life (VRQOL) (P = .0225), glottal function index (GFI) (P < .001), grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain (GRBAS) (P < .001), maximum phonation time (MPT) (P = .0081), and fundamental frequency in women (P = .0024). No significant changes were found in mean airflow. When comparing patients who underwent surgery versus voice therapy, statistically significant differences were present between pre-treatment VRQOL (P = .0269) and GFI (P = .0166). CONCLUSIONS Only 29% of patients with vocal atrophy completed voice therapy when recommended. Within this patient cohort, voice therapy results in significant improvement in multidimensional voice outcomes. Patients with vocal atrophy that undergo surgical treatment differ from those treated with voice therapy alone in their pre-treatment patient-reported measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Bick
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine
| | | | - Douglas R. Farquhar
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Robert A. Buckmire
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
| | - Rupali N. Shah
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Multi-dimensional investigation of the clinical effectiveness and prognostic factors of voice therapy for benign voice disorders. J Formos Med Assoc 2021; 121:329-334. [PMID: 34045124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Voice therapy is frequently recommended as the first-line treatment for benign voice disorders. This study investigated the clinical effectiveness of voice therapy and the prognostic factors of treatment outcomes. METHODS We recruited 103 consecutive patients with voice disorders, namely vocal nodules, polyps, and muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), from September 2014 to July 2016. All the patients received voice therapy as the primary treatment. Treatment outcomes were evaluated using auditory perceptual evaluation, acoustic analysis, maximum phonation time, and 10-item voice handicap index (VHI-10). Clinical effectiveness of voice therapy was defined by either 1) a posttreatment VHI-10 score ≤ 10 points or 2) decline of VHI-10 ≥ 4 points. RESULTS After voice therapy, VHI-10 and perceptual rating of voice quality improved significantly (p < 0.05) in the three disease categories. In patients with nodules, all the outcome parameters improved significantly (p < 0.05). Patients with good adherence to voice therapy (attending more than four sessions) had a significantly higher effectiveness than those with poor adherence (87% vs. 64%, p < 0.05). Patients with high occupational vocal demand also demonstrated a better effectiveness than those with routine vocal demand (90% vs. 70%, p < 0.05). Subsequent multivariate analyses revealed that adherence and vocal demand were independently and significantly correlated with clinical effectiveness (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION Voice therapy is effective for patients with vocal nodules, polyps, and MTD. Adherence to voice therapy and occupational vocal demand are significant prognostic factors for treatment outcomes.
Collapse
|
29
|
Van Stan JH, Whyte J, Duffy JR, Barkmeier-Kraemer JM, Doyle PB, Gherson S, Kelchner L, Muise J, Petty B, Roy N, Stemple J, Thibeault S, Tolejano CJ. Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System: Methodology to Identify and Describe Unique Targets and Ingredients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 102:521-531. [PMID: 33065124 PMCID: PMC7934085 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.09.383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Although significant advances have been made in measuring the outcomes of rehabilitation interventions, comparably less progress has been made in measuring the treatment processes that lead to improved outcomes. A recently developed framework called the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System (RTSS) has potential to identify which clinician actions (ie, ingredients) actively improve specific patient functions (ie, targets). However, the RTSS does not provide methodology for standardly identifying specific unique targets or ingredients. Without a method to evaluate the uniqueness of an individual target or ingredient, it is difficult to know whether variations in treatment descriptions are synonymous (ie, different words describing the same treatment) or meaningfully different (eg, different words describing different treatments or variations of the same treatment). A recent project used vocal rehabilitation ingredients and targets to create RTSS-based lists of unique overarching target and ingredient categories with underlying dimensions describing how individual ingredients and targets vary within those categories. The primary purpose of this article is to describe the challenges encountered during the project and the methodology developed to address those challenges. Because the methodology was based on the RTSS's broadly applicable framework, it can be used across all areas of rehabilitation regardless of the discipline (speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, etc) or impairment domain (language, cognition, ambulation, upper extremity training, etc). The resulting standard operationalized lists of targets and ingredients have high face and content validity. The lists may also facilitate implementation of the RTSS in research, education, interdisciplinary communication, and everyday treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jarrad H Van Stan
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston, Massachusetts; MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, Massachusetts.
| | - John Whyte
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
| | | | | | - Patricia B Doyle
- University of Connecticut Medical School, Farmington, Connecticut
| | | | | | - Jason Muise
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation, Boston, Massachusetts; MGH Institute of Health Professions, Charlestown, Massachusetts
| | | | - Nelson Roy
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Atará-Piraquive ÁP, Cantor-Cutiva LC. Gender differences in vocal doses among occupational voice users: a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis. LOGOP PHONIATR VOCO 2021; 47:63-72. [DOI: 10.1080/14015439.2021.1873415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
31
|
Grinstein-Koren O, Herzog N, Amir O. Hyposalivation Affecting Womens' Voice. J Voice 2021; 37:469.e19-469.e27. [PMID: 33518475 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Balanced hydration is crucial for optimal physiological function, whereas hypohydration may cause adverse effects. Like many other organs, the larynx is negatively affected by hypohydration, potentially affecting voice production. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine voice properties in women diagnosed with dry-mouth. METHODS Twenty-four women diagnosed with hyposalivation and 24 age-matched controls were recruited. All participants underwent three sialometry tests for quantifying oral-dryness. These tests were conducted in three conditions: after 2-hour fasting, after gustatory salivary stimulation and after drinking water. After each sialometry, participants were recorded while producing the vowels /a/ and /i/, and during a standardized reading task. A basic set of acoustic measures was extracted from these recordings. Self-evaluation of voice was performed using the VHI-10 questionnaire; and listeners' perception of the voice was performed by five professional judges who rated the recordings perceptually, using the GRBAS scale. RESULTS Significant group differences were found in fundamental frequency and jitter, but not in shimmer and noise-to-harmonic ratio (corrected P < 0.05). The participants in the hyposalivation group exhibited higher scores on the VHI-10 questionnaire compared to the control group (P = 0.002), and the judges perceptually rated their voices higher on the Grade and Roughness scales (0.03 ≤ P ≤ 0.04). In contrast with the significant group differences, no significant differences were found between the three study conditions. CONCLUSIONS Women suffering from oral-dryness were shown to exhibit degradation in voice quality, evident in both acoustic, perceptual and self-evaluation measures. However, in this paradigm, short-term superficial hydration was not shown to elicit a significant improvement in voice properties. These findings highlight the importance of consistent oral-hydration for voice, especially among people suffering from hyposalivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osnat Grinstein-Koren
- Department of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Maxillofacial Imaging, School of Dental Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Israel; Oral Medicine Clinic, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Hasharon District, Israel
| | - Nitzan Herzog
- Department of Communication Disorders, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofer Amir
- Department of Communication Disorders, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
van Leer E, Lewis B, Porcaro N. Effect of an iOS App on Voice Therapy Adherence and Motivation. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 2021; 30:210-227. [PMID: 33476177 PMCID: PMC8740599 DOI: 10.1044/2020_ajslp-19-00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Patients commonly report difficulties adhering to voice therapy. An iOS app was developed in our lab that assists practice via reminder notifications, instructional recordings, and cepstral peak prominence analysis results. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of such homework support modality on adherence behavior and associated motivation in a comparison of app support and written homework instructions and to assess the usability and utility of the app. Method Thirty-four individuals exhibiting adducted hyperfunction were randomized to receive either written homework instructions or the app when practicing resonant voice exercises for 3 weeks. All patients digitally audio-recorded all home practice, provided self-reported estimates of generalization, and completed weekly motivation scales. Results App support significantly increased practice frequency but did not affect self-reported generalization or motivation. Practice was significantly predicted by System Usability Scale scores. Utility of reminders and instructions were good, but cepstral peak prominence feedback was considered useful to only a subset of participants. Conclusion Interactive mobile therapy support can significantly increase practice of resonant voice homework without influencing motivation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eva van Leer
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Brittney Lewis
- Autonomous Reanimation and Evacuation Program, The Geneva Foundation, San Antonio, TX
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kaneko M, Sugiyama Y, Mukudai S, Hirano S. Effect of Voice Therapy Using Semioccluded Vocal Tract Exercises in Singers and Nonsingers With Dysphonia. J Voice 2020; 34:963.e1-963.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
34
|
Liu H, Chen S, Gao L, Li J, Liu B, Raj H, Xie Q, Duan H, Jiang Z, Liu Y, Chen B, Liu Y, Jiang J. Comparison Between Combination of Resonant Voice Therapy and Vocal Hygiene Education and Vocal Hygiene Education Only for Female Elementary School Teachers. J Voice 2020; 36:814-822. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
35
|
Keltz A, McHenry M. Steam and/or Semi-occluded Vocal Tract Exercise as Morning Vocal Warm-up Strategy. J Voice 2020; 36:734.e7-734.e13. [PMID: 32988703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of either steam, semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises, or a combination of both as a speaking voice warm-up strategy to be used at the start of the day. METHODS/DESIGN This prospective study assessed the impact of three different vocal warm-up conditions on phonatory threshold pressure (PTP). The three conditions were: (1) Steam - breathing steam for 3 minutes; (2) SOVT exercise - blowing bubbles through a straw into a cup of water while phonating /u/ for 3 minutes; and (3) Steam + SOVT - both conditions 1 and 2. Participants were 12 females with a mean age of 24. They were assessed on three different mornings, with one condition being tested each morning. Condition order and combination order were counterbalanced. Each morning prior to arriving, participants were asked to be up for about an hour, with no shower, no hot drinks or food, minimal voice-use, and no exercise. PTP was measured prior to each condition and immediately after. Participants also qualitatively described the experience of each condition and provided their subjective impression of how their voice felt after each condition. RESULTS There were 36 data points, reflecting change in PTP from before to after each condition. Results reflected high variability within each individual and condition. Due to this variability, means and standard deviations for each separate condition are meaningless, requiring deeper investigation into trends in the data. The investigators eliminated all data points where the sound pressure level (SPL) in the pre-experimental measure exceeded 67 dB; this was interpreted as the participant not performing the PTP task as softly as possible. First, data were examined within each participant, excluding all data from any participant who exceeded 67 dB SPL in any of the three pre-experimental measures. Of the seven participants remaining, steam was the best condition for one, SOVT was the best for three, and Steam + SOVT was the best for three. Of these, only two people experienced an improvement in PTP of greater than or equal to 0.5 cm H 2 O, both under the SOVT condition. Of the same seven participants, steam was the worst condition for three, SOVT was the worst for one, and Steam + SOVT was the worst for two. The three participants for whom steam was the worst reported strongly disliking the condition. Only three people experienced a worsening of PTP greater than or equal to 0.5 cm H 2 O: one in the SOVT condition; and two in the Steam + SOVT. It is typically expected that increases or decreases in PTP and SPL will be systematically related. Since the goal of a warm-up is to increase phonatory efficiency, and improve the viscosity of the vocal folds, a reduction in PTP after any condition was interpreted favorably. For the 9 data points across all conditions where PTP and SPL both decreased, there was a mean decrease in PTP of 0.34 cm H2O (SD = 0.28 cm H2O ). Mean decrease in SPL was 2.00 dB (SD = 0.88 dB). This indicates that individuals were able to decrease PTP and SPL as expected after a warm-up strategy. Finally, a trend appeared in six data points, where despite an increase in SPL, PTP decreased, potentially indicating improvement in vocal efficiency. Of these data points the mean decrease in PTP was 0.36 cm H2O ( SD = 0.17 cm H2O ), with a mean increase in SPL of 1.70 dB (SD = 1.21 dB). Of these six data points, indicating increased efficiency, three were with steam, two with Steam + SOVT, and one with SOVT. CONCLUSION This study revealed that these strategies are not universally successful, and clinicians should recommend them only after assessing their effectiveness for their client. Clinicians need to be custom tailoring these exercises to their client's goals and proclivities. Another consideration is the importance of teaching proper SOVT technique, so it is done correctly without added tension. Even blowing bubbles into a cup of water with phonation can be done poorly, in some cases yielding counterproductive results. Another interesting trend suggests that the inclusion of steam in vocal warm-up may increase vocal efficiency. Future studies should explore how time of day and vocal condition impact each strategy's effectiveness, and which strategy may be most appropriate for different desired outcomes, such as vocal warmup versus vocal rescue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Keltz
- New York Medical College, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, School of Health Sciences and Practice Building, 30 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA.
| | - Monica McHenry
- New York Medical College, Department of Speech-Language Pathology, School of Health Sciences and Practice Building, 30 Plaza West, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Outcomes of voice therapy in children with benign vocal fold lesions. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2020; 136:110121. [PMID: 32531617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2020.110121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to examine the effect of voice therapy on dysphonia on children with benign vocal fold lesions, as measured by perceptual evaluation using the Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V) and acoustic and aerodynamic measures (jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, phonation threshold pressure, mean airflow during voicing, subglottic pressure during comfortable phonation). STUDY DESIGN Prospective disease-specific outcomes database. METHODS Subjects identified in the database consisted of 28 children (14 male, 14 female) between the ages of three and eighteen. Pre- and post-therapy perceptual, acoustic and aerodynamic measures were compared using two-sided paired t-test. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference in perceptual ratings of voice quality (p < .001) and in phonation threshold pressure before and after therapy (p = .034). While acoustic measures improved after therapy, changes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Children with dysphonia secondary to benign vocal fold lesions showed positive change in perceptual ratings of voice quality and in phonation threshold pressure after voice therapy.
Collapse
|
37
|
Adherence of Patients With Dysphonia to Voice Therapy: Systematic Review. J Voice 2020; 34:808.e15-808.e23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
38
|
Guzman M, Bertucci T, Pacheco C, Leiva F, Quintana F, Ansaldi R, Quezada C, Muñoz D. Effectiveness of a physiologic voice therapy program based on different semioccluded vocal tract exercises in subjects with behavioral dysphonia: A randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2020; 87:106023. [PMID: 32659480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2020.106023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a physiologic voice therapy program based on different semioccluded vocal tract exercises in subjects with behavioral dysphonia. METHODS Thirty-four participants with behavioral dysphonia were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: 1) voice treatment with physiologic voice therapy plus vocal hygiene program (n=20), and 2) vocal hygiene program only (n=14). Laryngoscopic assessment was performed in all subjects. Before and after voice therapy, participants underwent aerodynamic, electroglottographic, and acoustic assessment. The Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Voice symptom scale (VoiSs), Vocal tract discomfort scale (VTDS), and self-assessment of resonant voice quality were also performed. The treatment included eight voice therapy sessions. For the experimental group, the exercises consisted of a sequence of seven phonatory tasks performed with four different semioccluded vocal tract exercises (SOVTE). Comparison for all variables were performed between experimental group and control group. RESULTS Wilcoxon test showed significant improvements for experimental group for VHI, VoiSs, VTDS (decrease), and self-perception of resonant voice quality (increase). Significant decrease for experimental groups was observed on subglottic pressure, phonation threshold pressure, and glottal airflow across the implemented tasks. CONCLUSION Physiologic voice therapy based on semioccluded vocal tract exercises seems to be an effective tool to improve voice in subjects diagnosed with behavioral dysphonia. Apparently, most changes should be expected in variables related to physical and functional aspects compared to objective variables. Subglottic pressure and phonation threshold pressure seem to be the most change-sensitive parameters and they may reflect a reduction in phonatory effort reported by patients after voice therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Guzman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Universidad de los Andes, Chile; Department of Otolaryngology, Las Condes Clinic, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Teresa Bertucci
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Constanza Pacheco
- Department of Otolaryngology, Las Condes Clinic, Av. Estoril 850, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Fernando Leiva
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Universidad Pedro de Valdivia, Vicuña Mackena 44, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Felipe Quintana
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Romina Ansaldi
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Camilo Quezada
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Daniel Muñoz
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Chile, Av. Independencia 1027, Santiago, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Thijs Z, Knickerbocker K, Watts CR. Epidemiological Patterns and Treatment Outcomes in a Private Practice Community Voice Clinic. J Voice 2020; 36:437.e11-437.e20. [PMID: 32732020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.06.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Voice therapy is administered by speech-language pathologists in multiple practice settings, including private practice community voice clinics. However, the evidence for diagnosis patterns and voice treatment outcomes in community voice clinics is very limited. The purpose of this study was to extend knowledge from a previous investigation by assessing the epidemiological patterns of patient referrals to a private practice community voice clinic across a 4-year period (50 months) and to measure the effectiveness of treatment outcomes for patients who were followed up with voice therapy in the same setting. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS Consecutive patient records from November 2014 through January 2019 were reviewed. Patients were grouped into seven categories of distinctive diagnoses. Descriptive data for each group were extracted to determine epidemiological patterns of disorder diagnosis, voice handicap, voice quality severity, age, and gender. For patients who completed at least three treatment sessions, pre- and posttreatment measurements of two assessments, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI), were extracted and compared using a multivariate analysis of variance. RESULTS Records from 454 consecutive patient referrals over a 50-month time period were reviewed. The most frequent diagnoses were multifactorial etiologies or those with only a few cases, categorized collectively as an "other" diagnosis category. Diagnoses of nonspecific dysphonia and mid-membranous lesions were also common. Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice-scale scores were not different among disorders; however, group differences were found for VHI and AVQI. Treatment data were available for 292 patients, with 47 of those patients completing at least three treatment sessions and with data for pre- and posttreatment VHI and AVQI. A mixed multivariate analysis of variance showed a significant effect of treatment (Wilks' Lambda = 0.42, F[2] = 27.58, P < 0.001, ƞp² = 0.58), where both AVQI and VHI improved significantly across the pre- to posttreatment measurements. CONCLUSIONS Patient characteristics and diagnosis patterns across a 50-month period were similar when compared to a previous study that investigated epidemiological patterns in this clinic across 28 months. Voice therapy administered in this community voice clinic to patients with varied diagnoses was found to be effective based on changes in VHI and AVQI measurements.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Thijs
- Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas.
| | | | - Christopher R Watts
- Davies School of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Lowell SY, Colton RH, Kelley RT, Auld M, Schmitz H. Isolated and Combined Respiratory Training for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Preliminary Findings. J Voice 2020; 36:361-382. [PMID: 32682682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of altering speech breathing patterns and dysphonia severity through training increased levels of lung volume use during speech. It was hypothesized that respiratory-based training would increase lung volume levels during speech as well as improve acoustic voice measures, and that the addition of laryngeal-based treatment would further improve voice acoustics by treatment completion. METHOD A multiple baseline, single subject design was replicated over six participants with primary muscle tension dysphonia as a preliminary investigation of novel respiratory treatment methods. Following four baseline probes (1-4), two phases of treatment were implemented over 6 weeks. Respiratory lung volume-based training (RLVT) and subsequent performance was probed at sessions 5 to 7 and laryngeal-based training was added to the RLVT and probed at sessions 8 to 10. Visual biofeedback was used during RLVT to assist the motor learning process. Respiratory outcome measures of lung volume initiation, termination and excursion were objectively measured using respiratory plethysmography (InductoTrace), and cepstral and spectral-based acoustic measures were also determined at each time point. RESULTS All participants showed improvement in one or more respiratory measures as well as reduced acoustic dysphonia severity following phase 1 of RLVT alone. Two participants achieved further marked improvement in acoustic voice measures after laryngeal-based training was added in phase 2 of treatment, but this was generally also accompanied by further improvement or stabilization of respiratory measures. CONCLUSION Results from this preliminary study support the feasibility of RLVT for improving speech breathing behavior, and suggest that RLVT alone can improve objectively measured dysphonia severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soren Y Lowell
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.
| | - Raymond H Colton
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Richard T Kelley
- Department of Otolaryngology & Communication Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Madeline Auld
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Hanna Schmitz
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Mercer E, Lowell SY. The Low Mandible Maneuver: Preliminary Study of Its Effects on Aerodynamic and Acoustic Measures. J Voice 2020; 34:645.e1-645.e9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|
42
|
The Impact of Respiratory Exercises on Voice Outcomes: A Systematic Review of the Literature. J Voice 2020; 34:648.e1-648.e39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
43
|
Barsties V Latoszek B, Watts CR, Neumann K. The effectiveness of voice therapy on voice-related handicap: A network meta-analysis. Clin Otolaryngol 2020; 45:796-804. [PMID: 32534474 DOI: 10.1111/coa.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Barsties V Latoszek
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University Hospital Münster, Westphalian Wilhelm University, Münster, Germany.,Speech-Language Pathology, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christopher R Watts
- Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Katrin Neumann
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University Hospital Münster, Westphalian Wilhelm University, Münster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wu CH, Chan RW. Effects of a 6-Week Straw Phonation in Water Exercise Program on the Aging Voice. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2020; 63:1018-1032. [PMID: 32302246 DOI: 10.1044/2020_jslhr-19-00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Semi-occluded vocal tract (SOVT) exercises with tubes or straws have been widely used for a variety of voice disorders. Yet, the effects of longer periods of SOVT exercises (lasting for weeks) on the aging voice are not well understood. This study investigated the effects of a 6-week straw phonation in water (SPW) exercise program. Method Thirty-seven elderly subjects with self-perceived voice problems were assigned into two groups: (a) SPW exercises with six weekly sessions and home practice (experimental group) and (b) vocal hygiene education (control group). Before and after intervention (2 weeks after the completion of the exercise program), acoustic analysis, auditory-perceptual evaluation, and self-assessment of vocal impairment were conducted. Results Analysis of covariance revealed significant differences between the two groups in smoothed cepstral peak prominence measures, harmonics-to-noise ratio, the auditory-perceptual parameter of breathiness, and Voice Handicap Index-10 scores postintervention. No significant differences between the two groups were found for other measures. Conclusions Our results supported the positive effects of SOVT exercises for the aging voice, with a 6-week SPW exercise program being a clinical option. Future studies should involve long-term follow-up and additional outcome measures to better understand the efficacy of SOVT exercises, particularly SPW exercises, for the aging voice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsin Wu
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan
| | - Roger W Chan
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
A Preliminary Exploration of Vocal Usage in Prospective Professional Voice Users (PPVUs): Students of the Alimah Course. J Voice 2019; 35:659.e25-659.e33. [PMID: 31843229 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Students of the Alimah degree are Prospective Professional Voice Users whose career involves teaching, preaching, and conducting religious activities. For them, a cultured and efficient voice is an important prerequisite for a successful career. This study aimed to explore vocal usage and knowledge of voice care among students pursuing the Alimah course. OBJECTIVES To check the period prevalence of voice problems among the students during the Alimah course, understand communication, and voice usage in daily situations, understand their lifestyle, assess their knowledge about voice and voice care through a self-reporting questionnaire. METHOD The data were obtained from 150 undergraduate students pursuing the Alimah degree in and around Nagapattinam and Thanjavur districts of Tamil Nadu, India, through a self-reporting questionnaire. RESULTS The students pursuing the course were at a high risk for developing voice problems, with a period prevalence of 70%. Excessive vocal load, inappropriate diet, phonotraumatic behaviours and limited knowledge of voice care were found to be the threats to voice problems among the population. CONCLUSION This population with a high prevalence rate of voice problems should be studied further. The authors suggest including lessons on vocal enhancement methods and voice care in the course curriculum of the Alimah degree.
Collapse
|
46
|
Chowdhury K, Dawar H. Impact of Classroom Determinants on Psychosocial Aspects of Voice Among School Teachers of Indore, India: A Preliminary Survey. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2019; 71:776-783. [PMID: 31742063 DOI: 10.1007/s12070-018-1546-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Teaching voice is the professional voice; often different in quality from our day-to-day speaking voice, and is supposed to be subjected to vocal abuse, misuse and overuse. This paper aims towards highlighting the various classroom determinants that may impact teacher's voice and how these impacts can affect the daily activities in terms of functional emotional and psychosocial aspects. To understand the same, a cross sectional prospective study was conducted across eight English medium institutions of Indore (a city in central India) region. The study was carried out in three phases: formulation of a questionnaire, data collection (through administration of the questionnaire and VHI among sixty school teachers) followed by data analysis, to determine whether any association exists between the various classroom determinants and voice impairment. Significant association was found between determinants like teaching experience; number of classes, duration of breaks, use of any alternate method of teaching and alternate use of any amplification device with physical, emotional and functional aspects of life. The findings holistically indicate that various factors within the classroom environment only has a significant bearing on the voice disturbances of a school teacher's life thus deteriorating their quality of life. Thus it is substantial to begin a training programme by speech language pathologists in order to heighten awareness among teachers. After all voice disturbances are a real and treatable condition and with the right amount of training can be avoided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamalika Chowdhury
- Department of Speech and Hearing, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS), Indore Ujjain State Highway, Indore, MP 452010 India
| | - Hemina Dawar
- Department of Speech and Hearing, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences (SAIMS), Indore Ujjain State Highway, Indore, MP 452010 India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Siqueira LTD, Ribeiro VV, Moreira PAM, Brasolotto AG, de Jesus Guirro RR, Alves Silverio KC. Effects of transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation (TENS) associated with vocal therapy on musculoskeletal pain of women with behavioral dysphonia: A randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2019; 82:105923. [PMID: 31382210 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcomdis.2019.105923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Recently, electrical stimulation in vocal rehabilitation has been the subject of studies. This treatment has shown promising results regarding the decrease of vocal/laryngeal symptoms, pain and the improvement of vocal tension. In addition to decreasing pain symptoms, TENS treatments may lead to muscle relaxation. There is no data on the effects of this resource as a vocal therapy in women with behavioral dysphonia. Research in this area may provide evidence to assist the clinical decision related to the treatment of women with complaints of behavioral dysphonia and musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE To verify the effects of low-frequency TENS in association with vocal therapy on musculoskeletal pain in women with behavioral dysphonia. METHODS Participants included 27 women with vocal nodules randomized into two groups. The experimental group (EG) - 13 women received 12 sessions of TENS (pulse of 200 μs, frequency at 10 Hz, in motor threshold) with electrodes placed bilaterally on the trapezius muscle and submandibular area for 20 min followed by 30 min of vocal therapy, and the control group (CG) - 14 women received 12 sessions of 20 min of a placebo TENS followed by 30 min of vocal therapy. We investigated the frequency and intensity of the musculoskeletal pain in several body regions, as well as the intensity of pain at rest and in the application of pressure with an algometer applied to the descending fibers of the trapezius muscle. The pressure-pain threshold (PPT) was also investigated. All evaluations occurred before, immediately after, and at one and three months after treatment in both groups. RESULTS We observed a reduction in the frequency of pain in the larynx after treatment of both groups, but only the EG showed a decrease in pain intensity in this region. It was verified with an algometer to the trapezius muscle that the electrical stimulation associated with the vocal therapy decreased the intensity of pain during the application of pressure and increased the PPT. There were no significant differences with regard to variables investigated in the comparison between the interventions. On the other hand, there was decreased pain in the trapezius muscle for the EG in comparison to the pre- and post-intervention. CONCLUSION The vocal therapyprogram reduced the frequency and intensity of the musculoskeletal pain in the regions proximal to the larynx of women with behavioral dysphonia. In addition, TENS followed by vocal therapy increased the threshold of sensitivity to muscular pain in the trapezius, demonstrating that it is a good resource to use in conjunction with traditional vocal therapy in cases of behavioral dysphonia associated with pain and muscle tension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Vanessa Veis Ribeiro
- Centro Universitário do Cerrado Patrocínio - UNICERP, Patrocínio, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | | | - Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto
- Disorders Department of the Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru/Universidade de São Paulo - FOB/USP, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | | | - Kelly Cristina Alves Silverio
- Disorders Department of the Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru/Universidade de São Paulo - FOB/USP, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Faham M, Laukkanen AM, Ikävalko T, Rantala L, Geneid A, Holmqvist-Jämsén S, Ruusuvirta K, Pirilä S. Acoustic Voice Quality Index as a Potential Tool for Voice Screening. J Voice 2019; 35:226-232. [PMID: 31582330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To diminish the risk of voice disorders in people who are highly dependent on their voices, such as teachers, vocal screening is important already at the beginning of such individuals' professional studies. A reliable, specified screening tool is needed. The Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI) has been found to differentiate normal voices from abnormal voices and to serve as a treatment outcome measure. This study investigated whether AVQI could be a screening tool in combination with auditory- and self-perception of the voice to discriminate normal from slightly poor voices. TYPE OF STUDY Experimental. METHODS Some 128 female teaching students (mean age 26.39 years, SD 9.80 years) with no diagnosed voice disorders participated in this study. They read aloud a text in Finnish, sustained the vowel /a:/, and filled the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire. Voice samples were recorded with an AKG C544L headset microphone, iFocusrite soundcard, and Praat software using a 44100 sample rate and 16-bit amplitude quantization. Five expert voice therapists evaluated the samples to determine the grade of dysphonia (G) using a scale of 0-0.5 (=normal), 0.5-1 (=mild), 1-2 (=moderate), and 2-3 (=severe). Three medial seconds of [a:] and the first 31 syllables of the text were analyzed using AVQI script version 03.01 in Praat (5.3.55). The analysis gives one AVQI score per participant (scale 0-10). The AVQI threshold of normal and disordered voices for Finnish speakers is 1.83; a Gmean = 0.0-0.5 and VHI score <19 were considered normal. Statistical analysis was done using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Spearman's correlation coefficient, and the independent samples t test. RESULTS According to the AVQI results, the area under the curve (AROC) was 0.554, which is fair. The Youden index gave a cutoff value of 0.30 with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 81.1%. There were weak but significant correlations between Gmean and AVQI and two AVQI parameters, smoothed cepstral peak prominence and harmonic-to-noise ratio (r = 0.27; --0.24; -0.20, respectively; |P < 0.05); and between total VHI and AVQI score and cepstral peak prominence (r = 0.21; 0.20, respectively; P < 0.05). Furthermore, the AVQI scores differed significantly between the groups with a VHI total score <19 and ≥19. CONCLUSIONS AVQI did not differentiate between voices that had been perceptually judged as normal or slightly abnormal, but a combination of perceptual assessment in the form of AVQI and VHI could better screen slightly deviant voices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Faham
- Department of Speech and Language Pathology Rehabilitation Faculty, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Rehabilitation Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Anne-Maria Laukkanen
- Speech and Voice Research Laboratory, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Tero Ikävalko
- Speech and Voice Research Laboratory, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Leena Rantala
- Unit of Logopedics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ahmed Geneid
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Kaarina Ruusuvirta
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Phoniatrics - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sirpa Pirilä
- Faculty of Humanities/Logopedics, Child Language Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gadepalli C, Fullwood C, Ascott F, Homer JJ. Voice burden in teachers and non‐teachers in a UK population: A questionnaire‐based survey. Clin Otolaryngol 2019; 44:1045-1058. [DOI: 10.1111/coa.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitanya Gadepalli
- University Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery Manchester Royal Infirmary Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre The University of Manchester Manchester UK
| | - Catherine Fullwood
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Division of Population Health Health Services Research and Primary Care The University of Manchester Manchester UK
- Research & Innovation Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester UK
| | - Frances Ascott
- University Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery Manchester Royal Infirmary Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
| | - Jarrod James Homer
- University Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck surgery Manchester Royal Infirmary Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
- Manchester Academic Health Science Centre Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Manchester UK
- NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre The University of Manchester Manchester UK
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Huttunen K, Rantala L. Effects of Humidification of the Vocal Tract and Respiratory Muscle Training in Women With Voice Symptoms-A Pilot Study. J Voice 2019; 35:158.e21-158.e33. [PMID: 31416750 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2019.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 4-week breathing exercise intervention in participants with voice symptoms. METHODS Six nonsmoking women (mean age 49) experiencing voice symptoms used a novel device WellO2 for respiratory exercises that provides counter pressure during both inspiration and expiration and warms and humidifies the breathing air. Speech samples were acoustically (Acoustic Voice Quality Index) and perceptually (grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain scale) analyzed, and perceived voice symptoms and self-reported effort in breathing and phonation were obtained. Respiratory measurements included breathing frequency and pattern, peak expiratory flow, forced vital capacity, and forced expiratory volume in 1 minute. RESULTS The total scores of Acoustic Voice Quality Index and some of its subcomponents (shimmer and harmonic-to-noise ratio), and the grade, roughness, and strain of the GRBAS scale indicated significantly improved voice quality. However, neither the nature or frequency of the experienced voice symptoms nor the perceived phonatory effort changed as the function of intervention. According to the participants, their breathing was significantly less effortful after the intervention, although no significant changes were observed in the objective respiratory measurements with a spirometer. CONCLUSION Training with the WellO2 device has the potential to improve voice quality. The combination of inspiratory and expiratory training and warmed, humidified air is a multifaceted entity influencing several parts in the physiology of voice production. The effects of using WellO2 need to be confirmed by further studies with a larger number of participants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kerttu Huttunen
- Faculty of Humanities, Research Unit of Logopedics, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland; MRC Oulu, Oulu, Finland; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Leena Rantala
- Degree Programme in Logopedics, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| |
Collapse
|