RecruitingACTRN12611000686909

Treating Voice Disorders: Which Therapy Works Best?

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effect of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training versus Traditional voice therapy on dysphonia in Patients with Unilateral Vocal Fold Palsy

Sponsor

Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2011

Study Type

Interventional

Conditions

Unilateral Vocal Fold Palsy causing Dysphonia

Summary

1. Patients with a unilateral vocal fold palsy (UVFP) who are randomized to undertake Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) will demonstrate greater improvement in measures of voice quality and airway protection over a six-week period than patients who are randomized to undertake ‘Usual’ voice therapy. 2. Both the EMST and Usual groups will show improvement in their measures of voice quality compared to patients who elect not to undertake therapy. 3. Patients who undergo EMST and Usual therapy will maintain improvements to their vocal quality when followed up one month post completion of treatment. 4. Patients with UVFP in the EMST group will show greater adherence to treatment techniques than patients in the Usual group.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 YearssMax Age: 90 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study compares two types of voice therapy for people with a paralysed or weakened vocal fold (unilateral vocal fold palsy), which causes a hoarse or breathy voice and can make swallowing difficult. One therapy is the standard voice therapy ('usual care'). The other is Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST), which involves breathing exercises using a special device to build up the muscles used in speaking and swallowing. Researchers want to find out which therapy produces better voice quality. You may be eligible if: - You are between 18 and 90 years of age - You have a hoarse or abnormal voice (dysphonia) - You are willing to attend follow-up appointments - You can understand and follow instructions - You can tolerate a throat/nasal endoscopy (a small camera examination) You may NOT be eligible if: - You are currently undergoing radiation therapy - You have untreated high blood pressure - You have a respiratory condition such as COPD, emphysema, or asthma Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) arm - 6 weeks a) subjects exhales on one breath through the expiratory pressure threshold device. Device will be set at 75% of the subject's maximum expira

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) arm - 6 weeks a) subjects exhales on one breath through the expiratory pressure threshold device. Device will be set at 75% of the subject's maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). b) five repetitions of the exercise = 1 block c) five blocks completed daily, five days per week Traditional voice therapy/ Usual Care arm - 6 weeks a) release of muscle tension b) establishment of 'Twang' voice quality c) visual and auditory biofeedback d) negative practice e) improved breath support via postural stability 1x weekly one-on-one sessions with a speech pathologist for up to 60 minutes per session

Locations(1)

Australia

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ACTRN12611000686909