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Young VN, Ma Y, Rosen CA, Schneider SL. Medicare Restriction of Telehealth Speech Services Negatively Impacts Patient Care. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2024. [PMID: 38613195 DOI: 10.1002/ohn.779] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ample literature shows voice and swallowing therapy, in-person or virtual, to be essential for Otolaryngology and Speech-Language Pathology care. In March 2023, Medicare announced discontinuing teletherapy reimbursement in hospital-based outpatient departments, effective May 2023. This decision was subsequently reversed; however, the uncertain interval period provided the opportunity to study the impact of eliminating teletherapy. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort. SETTING Tertiary laryngology center. METHODS Affected Medicare patients were contacted via mailed letter, phone, and secure patient portal and offered to change appointments to in-person, teletherapy with cash self-payment ($165-282/session) or cancellation. Demographics and responses were collected. Statistical analyses conducted using Student's t test. RESULTS Fifty-three patients (28 female; mean age 66.8 ± 14.2 years) were impacted. 64% (n = 34) changed to in-person appointment, 28% (n = 15) canceled, 8% (n = 4) did not respond. No patients opted to self-pay. 67% of patients that canceled telehealth care cited distance from in-person care location. The mean distance for canceled versus rescheduled patients was 92.3 ± 93.0 versus 32.8 ± 57.4 miles, P = .034. Mean age, gender, and number of sessions were not different between groups. Mean time to third next available therapy appointment was 96 ± 46 versus 46 ± 12 days before and after rule change, P = .007. Upon Medicare's reversal, this trend rebounded to nearly baseline (mean 77 ± 12 days, P = .12). CONCLUSION Medicare's discontinuation of reimbursement for teletherapy services caused nearly 30% of patients to cancel voice and swallowing therapy, primarily due to distance. These cancellations led to decreased access to care for Medicare patients with voice/swallowing diagnoses, which affect function, quality of life, and potentially even mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- VyVy N Young
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California-San Francisco Voice and Swallowing Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California-San Francisco Voice and Swallowing Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Clark A Rosen
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California-San Francisco Voice and Swallowing Center, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sarah L Schneider
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California-San Francisco Voice and Swallowing Center, San Francisco, California, USA
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Cruz DRD, Zheng A, Debele T, Larson P, Dion GR, Park YC. Drug delivery systems for wound healing treatment of upper airway injury. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2024; 21:573-591. [PMID: 38588553 PMCID: PMC11208077 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2024.2340653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure to maintain an open airway with risks for traumatic injury. Pathological changes resulting from intubation can cause upper airway complications, including vocal fold scarring, laryngotracheal stenosis, and granulomas and present with symptoms such as dysphonia, dysphagia, and dyspnea. Current intubation-related laryngotracheal injury treatment approaches lack standardized guidelines, relying on individual clinician experience, and surgical and medical interventions have limitations and carry risks. AREAS COVERED The clinical and preclinical therapeutics for wound healing in the upper airway are described. This review discusses the current developments on local drug delivery systems in the upper airway utilizing particle-based delivery systems, including nanoparticles and microparticles, and bulk-based delivery systems, encompassing hydrogels and polymer-based approaches. EXPERT OPINION Complex laryngotracheal diseases pose challenges for effective treatment, struggling due to the intricate anatomy, limited access, and recurrence. Symptomatic management often requires invasive surgical procedures or medications that are unable to achieve lasting effects. Recent advances in nanotechnology and biocompatible materials provide potential solutions, enabling precise drug delivery, personalization, and extended treatment efficacy. Combining these technologies could lead to groundbreaking treatments for upper airways diseases, significantly improving patients' quality of life. Research and innovation in this field are crucial for further advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denzel Ryan D. Cruz
- Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Avery Zheng
- Chemical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Tilahun Debele
- Chemical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Peter Larson
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory R. Dion
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yoonjee C. Park
- Chemical Engineering Program, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Barsties V Latoszek B, Watts CR, Hetjens S. The Efficacy of the Manual Circumlaryngeal Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Laryngoscope 2024; 134:18-26. [PMID: 37366280 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is the most common functional voice disorder. Behavioral voice therapy is the front-line treatment for MTD, and laryngeal manual therapy may be a part of this treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual circumlaryngeal therapy (MCT) on acoustic markers of voice quality (jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio) and vocal function (fundamental frequency) through a systematic review with meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES Four databases were searched from inception to December 2022, and a manual search was performed. REVIEW METHODS The PRISMA extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating a meta-analysis of health care interventions was applied, and a random effects model was used for the meta-analyses. RESULTS We identified 6 eligible studies from 30 studies (without duplicates). The MCT approach was highly effective on acoustics with large effect sizes (Cohen's d > 0.8). Significant improvements were obtained in jitter in percent (mean difference of -.58; 95% CI -1.00 to 0.16), shimmer in percent (mean difference of -5.66; 95% CI -8.16 to 3.17), and harmonics-to-noise ratio in dB (mean difference of 4.65; 95% CI 1.90-7.41), with the latter two measurements continuing to be significantly improved by MCT when measurement variability is considered. CONCLUSION The efficacy of MCT for MTD was confirmed in most clinical studies by assessing jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio related to voice quality. The effects of MCT on the fundamental frequency changes could not be verified. Further contributions of high-quality randomized control trials are needed to support evidence-based practice in laryngology. Laryngoscope, 134:18-26, 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher R Watts
- Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Svetlana Hetjens
- Department for Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Brown CK, Vazquez J, Metz SM, McCown D. Effects of an 8-Week Mindfulness Course in People With Voice Disorders. J Voice 2023:S0892-1997(23)00353-3. [PMID: 37977967 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.10.031] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nearly every modern textbook on the etiology and treatment of voice disorders (VD) recommends stress reduction for VD patients. The benefits of mindfulness for stress reduction are well documented, but published literature on mindfulness and VD is sparse. Our objective was to determine whether an 8-week mindfulness course could increase mindfulness and lower stress in people with VD, leading to a decrease in vocal handicap. STUDY DESIGN Mixed methods study. METHODS Participants: 69 individuals with VD: 39 were mindfulness course participants (MCP), 30 were in a waitlist control group (WCG). Exclusionary criteria: patients in voice therapy. Before and after the 8-week timeframe, participants took the Mindful Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS), Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and-for singers (n = 36)-the Singing Voice Handicap Index (SVHI). Follow-up interviews were conducted with select participants. RESULTS In the MCP, each of the outcomes significantly changed in the direction hypothesized, resulting in increased MAAS (P = 0.000) and decreased PSS-10 (P = 0.007), VHI (P = 0.000), and SVHI (P = 0.021, n = 22) scores. Using a 2 × 2 Repeated Measures ANOVA, two outcomes were statistically different for the MCP from pre to postcourse-MAAS increased (P = 0.006, ES = 0.107) and VHI decreased (P = 0.034, ES = 0.065)-in comparison to no change in the WCG. Follow-up interviews revealed increased acceptance of the VD; reduced stress, physical tension, and pain/discomfort; increased somatic (or interoceptive) awareness; community with other VD patients; and positive speaking and singing voice changes. CONCLUSIONS An 8-week mindfulness course shows promise for reducing stress in people with VD, lowering voice handicap, and improving quality of life. Future research should evaluate mindfulness in patients with specific voice disorders; patients with higher and lower VHI scores; singers; and patients who experience throat pain. Mindfulness should also be evaluated within a standard voice therapy protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kay Brown
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Health Sciences, Center for Contemplative Studies, West Chester, Pennsylvania; Immaculata University, Department of Music, Immaculata, Pennsylvania.
| | - Julinette Vazquez
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Health Sciences, West Chester, Pennsylvania
| | - Stacie M Metz
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Health Sciences, West Chester, Pennsylvania
| | - Donald McCown
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Health Sciences, Center for Contemplative Studies, West Chester, Pennsylvania
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Latoszek BBV, Hetjens S. [Efficacy of Novafon Local Vibration Voice Therapy and Water Resistance Therapy: a meta-analysis]. Laryngorhinootologie 2023; 102:662-668. [PMID: 36580973 DOI: 10.1055/a-1976-9766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment approaches for voice therapy are diverse and two treatment approaches in voice therapy with assistive devices will be evaluated and compared for efficacy. Evaluations of the treatment effects of different approaches are important for clinical consultation and evidence-based practice. AIM To evaluate the efficacy of Novafon Local Vibration Voice Therapy (NLVVT) and Water Resistance Therapy (WRT) using Voice Handicap Index (VHI). DESIGN Systematic literature search and meta-analysis with random effects model. DATA SOURCES The analysis of two databases (MEDLINE and CENTRAL) and a manual search from inception to September 19th 2021. STUDY SELECTION Any clinical trial with case series in a pre-post design written in English or German that tested the efficacy of NLVVT or WRT using VHI (functional [F], physical [P], and emotional [E] aspects, and total score [T]) in adult voice patients with an organic or functional voice disorder was considered. RESULTS Five eligible studies were identified (NLVVT n= 22; WRT n= 42). Both treatment approaches showed highly significant improvement in all aspects of the VHI (p-values< 0.01). In direct comparison, NLVVT achieved significantly higher improvements in VHI-T, VHI-F and VHI-E than WRT (p-values< 0.01). Comparable improvement was received in VHI-P (p= 0.28). CONCLUSION NLVVT and WRT are effective treatments for voice disorders related to the subjective evaluation of a voice disorder. In direct comparison, NLVVT achieved higher improvements than WRT in most VHI aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Svetlana Hetjens
- Abteilung für Medizinische Statistik, Biomathematik und Informationsverarbeitung, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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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.
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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.
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Barsties V Latoszek B, Watts CR, Hetjens S, Neumann K. The Efficacy of Different Voice Treatments for Vocal Fold Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103451. [PMID: 37240557 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103451] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vocal fold polyps (VFP) are a common cause of voice disorders and laryngeal discomfort. They are usually treated by behavioral voice therapy (VT) or phonosurgery, or a combination (CT) of both. However, the superiority of either of these treatments has not been clearly established. METHODS Three databases were searched from inception to October 2022 and a manual search was performed. All clinical trials of VFP treatment were included that reported at least auditory-perceptual judgment, aerodynamics, acoustics, and the patient-perceived handicap. RESULTS We identified 31 eligible studies (VT: n = 47-194; phonosurgery: n = 404-1039; CT: n = 237-350). All treatment approaches were highly effective, with large effect sizes (d > 0.8) and significant improvements in almost all voice parameters (p-values < 0.05). Phonosurgery reduced roughness and NHR, and the emotional and functional subscales of the VHI-30 were the most compared to behavioral voice therapy and combined treatment (p-values < 0.001). Combined treatment improved hoarseness, jitter, shimmer, MPT, and the physical subscale of the VHI-30 more than phonosurgery and behavioral voice therapy (p-values < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS All three treatment approaches were effective in eliminating vocal fold polyps or their negative sequelae, with phonosurgery and combined treatment providing the greatest improvement. These results may inform future treatment decisions for patients with vocal fold polyps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Barsties V Latoszek
- Speech-Language Pathology, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christopher R Watts
- Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76109, USA
| | - Svetlana Hetjens
- Department for Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68165 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Neumann
- Department of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, University Hospital Münster, University of Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany
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Barsties V Latoszek B, Watts CR, Schwan K, Hetjens S. The maximum phonation time as marker for voice treatment efficacy: A network meta-analysis. Clin Otolaryngol 2023; 48:130-138. [PMID: 36536593 DOI: 10.1111/coa.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a diversity in treatment approaches for voice therapy in which aerodynamic treatment effects between the approaches are lacking. The evidence of voice treatments on the maximum phonation time (MPT) was quantified using the statistical approach of a network meta-analysis (NMA). DATA SOURCES Three databases and manual search from inception to November 2021 were evaluated. STUDY SELECTION Studies were considered which were reports of randomised controlled/clinical trials (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of a specific voice therapy treatment using MPT as an outcome measure in adult participants with voice disorders. Studies were excluded if participants had been diagnosed with neurological-motor-speech disorders or who were vocally healthy. Furthermore, no medical, pharmacological, or technical instrumental treatments were used. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension statement guidelines were followed. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using PEDro scale. Random effects model was used for meta-analysis. RESULTS We identified finally 12 RCT studies (treatment groups n = 285, and control group without an intervention n = 62). Eight interventions were evaluated. The only effective intervention with a significant effect was vocal function exercises (VFE) (mean pre-post difference 6.16 s, 95% confidence interval, 1.18-11.13 s). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE VFE effectively improved MPT from pre- to post-treatment in comparison with other voice interventions which were identified in the present NMA. Further high-quality intervention studies with large samples sizes, multidimensional measures, and homogeneous groups of dysphonia are needed to support evidence-based practice in laryngology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher R Watts
- Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Katharina Schwan
- Speech-Language Pathology, SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Svetlana Hetjens
- Department of Statistics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
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Sirpa P, Paula S, Terhi A, Niemitalo-Haapola E, Anneli Y, Leena R. A Randomized Controlled Trial With Female Teachers: Are there Differences Between and Within the Outcomes in Voice Therapy Groups With and Without Carryover Strategies? J Voice 2022:S0892-1997(22)00191-6. [PMID: 35902298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2022.06.029] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated if outcomes differ between voice therapy groups systematically using carryover strategies (attempts to generalize new vocal skills outside the clinic) and voice therapy with no emphasis on any generalizing process (here referred to as traditional voice therapy). METHOD A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Participants (53 female teachers with voice disorders) were randomly allocated into three groups: Carryover (a group receiving voice therapy using carryover strategies), Trad (a group receiving voice therapy with no emphasis on any generalizing process), Controls (a group on an eight-week non-therapy period). Prior to the trial a direct laryngoscopy was performed with a videolaryngostroboscopy system and/or nasofaryngofiberoscope with stroboscopy. Before and after therapy and at follow-up a voice evaluation protocol was implemented consisting of subjective assessments (Questionnaire on Voice Symptoms, and the Voice Activity and Participation Profile; VAPP), and objective measurements (voice sample recordings, acoustic analysis [SPL, sound pressure level; f0, fundamental frequency; alpha-ratio, tilt of the sound spectrum slope]). RESULTS No differences were found between the groups. Several significant changes occurred within the groups between initial phase vs. post-therapy and initial phase vs. follow-up. In the Carryover group text reading the alpha-ratio became lower (P = 0.011) and spontaneous speech f0 increased (P = 0.024) after the therapy and [a:] SPL increased (P = 0.042) at follow-up. In the Trad group post-therapy [a:] alpha-ratio became lower (P = 0.012) and spontaneous speech f0 decreased (P = 0.034). After therapy VAPP scores showed improvement in voice-related quality of life in both therapy groups (Carryover P = 0.003; Trad P = 0.01) but only in Carryover at follow-up (P = 0.000). Voice symptoms decreased in the Carryover group post-therapy (P = 0.001) and at follow-up (P = 0.000) and after Controls' eight-week non-therapy period (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION The results showed that carryover strategies give no additional advantages in voice therapy. However, the decreasing trend in the Carryover group's voice complaints at follow-up would suggest that carryover strategies may have long-lasting effects. The results also confirm that voice therapy is efficient in improving voice-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pirilä Sirpa
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland.
| | - Saarentaus Paula
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Ansamaa Terhi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Elina Niemitalo-Haapola
- Faculty of Humanities/Logopedics, Child Language Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Yliherva Anneli
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
| | - Rantala Leena
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tampere, Tampere, Finland
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