Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Conditions
Keywords
Voice, Muscle Tension Dysphonia, Hyperfunction, Treatment
Brief summary
The purpose of this research is to determine whether treatment of voice disorders can be provided just as effectively using telemedicine as it can using on-site, traditional therapy. An exercise protocol for improving airflow with voicing has been demonstrated to be effective in a prior UAMS investigation (Protocol 107454). These exercises are used as part of the normal clinic routine at UAMS working with individuals with voice problems. The three exercises used are: gargling with and without voicing; cup bubble blowing with and without voicing; and, stretch and flow exercises, which involves the use of a piece of tissue to provide visual biofeedback on the ability to use proper airflow with voicing. The purpose of the exercises is to increase airflow and breathiness in the voice and reduce muscle tension. In addition, patients will be taught to use a confidential voice or gentle voice during speaking. The investigators voice patients come from all over the state and many cannot return for regular treatment. Developing a way to provide treatment to them closer to home could greatly improve quality of care and quality of life. Twenty participants will participate for 12 sessions each. All participants will be evaluated at UAMS before and after treatment as part of standard care and will, upon consent, be randomized to receive treatment via telemedicine at an AHEC site or at UAMS Medical Center. Homework will be provided along with log sheets. Results of airflow measures using an airflow-recording device (Viasys, KAY/PENTAX) pre- and post treatment will determine whether telemedicine results are equal to results of traditional, on-site treatment. The investigators hypothesize that results from treatment using telemedicine will be equivalent to results for onsite, traditional treatment.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALAirflow Exercises for Voicing
Gargling, Cup Bubble Blowing, and Stretch and Flow Exercises will be taught to reduce laryngeal closure and improve airflow through the glottis during voicing.
Sponsors
University of Arkansas
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Primary or Secondary Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Exclusion criteria
* Head and Neck Cancer * Spasmodic Dysphonia * Tremor * Respiratory Compromise * Dysphagia
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mean Expiratory Airflow During Comfortable Phonation | 6 weeks | Measured pre- and post in liters/second using Phonatory Aerodynamic System. |
| Voicing Efficiency | 6 weeks | Mean Airflow during voicing efficiency task, pa-pa-pa, using Phonatory Aerodynamic System. Measured in liters/second. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Handicap Index Questionnaire | 6 weeks | Patient's perceived ratings of Voice Handicap on standardized, validated questionnaire. |
| Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice | 6 weeks | Overall perceptual rating of voice quality made by clinician on 100 point scale. |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed