No abstract

Purpose The purpose of this document is threefold: (a) review the uses of the terms “vocal fatigue,” “vocal effort,” “vocal load,” and “vocal loading” (as found in the literature) in order to track the occurrence and the related evolution of research; (b) present a “linguistically modeled” definition of the same from the review of literature on the terms; and (c) propose conceptualized definitions of the concepts. Method A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Scientific Electronic Library Online. Four terms (“vocal fatigue,” “vocal effort,” “vocal load,” and “vocal loading”), as well as possible variants, were included in the search, and their usages were compiled into conceptual definitions. Finally, a focus group of eight experts in the field (current authors) worked together to make conceptual connections and proposed consensus definitions. Results The occurrence and frequency of “vocal load,” “vocal loading,” “vocal effort,” and “vocal fatigue” in the literature are presented, and summary definitions are developed. The results indicate that these terms appear to be often interchanged with blurred distinctions. Therefore, the focus group proposes the use of two new terms, “vocal demand” and “vocal demand response,” in place of the terms “vocal load” and “vocal loading.” We also propose standardized definitions for all four concepts. Conclusion Through a comprehensive literature search, the terms “vocal fatigue,” “vocal effort,” “vocal load,” and “vocal loading” were explored, new terms were proposed, and standardized definitions were presented. Future work should refine these proposed definitions as research continues to address vocal health concerns.

Purpose-Patient perspectives of behavioral voice therapy, including perspectives of treatment adherence, have not been formally documented. Because treatment adherence is to a large extent determined by patient beliefs, assessment of patient perspectives is integral to the study of adherence.Methods-Fifteen patients who had undergone at least 2 sessions of direct voice therapy for a variety of voice disorders/complaints were interviewed about their perspectives on voice therapy, with a particular focus on adherence. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed for content according to qualitative methods.Results-Three common content themes emerged from the transcripts: Voice Therapy is Hard, Make it Happen, and The Match Matters. Findings are compared to reports of patient experiences in other behavioral interventions such as diet and exercise, and related to existing theoretical models of behavior change and the therapeutic process.Conclusion-This study yields information toward the development of scales to measure adherence-related constructs and strategies to improve treatment adherence in voice therapy.

SummaryStudies of patient adherence to health behavior programs, such as physical exercise, smoking cessation, and diet, have resulted in the formulation and validation of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change. Although widely accepted as a guide for the development of health behavior interventions, this model has not been applied to vocal rehabilitation. Because resolution of vocal difficulties frequently depends on a patient's ability to make changes in vocal and health behaviors, the TTM may be a useful way to conceptualize voice behavior change processes, including the patient's readiness for change. The purpose of this paper is to apply the TTM to the voice therapy process to: (1) provide an organizing framework for understanding of behavior change in voice therapy, (2) explain how treatment adherence problems can arise, and (3) provide broad strategies to improve treatment adherence. Given the significant role of treatment adherence in treatment outcome, considering readiness for behavior change should be taken into account when planning treatment. Principles of health behavior change can aid speech pathologists in such understanding and estimating readiness for voice therapy.

The purpose of the present investigation was to determine the relation between specific events observed with simultaneous videofluoroscopy and respirodeglutometry. The order of occurrence was determined for each of 31 events (18 videofluoroscopic, 13 respirodeglutometric). Using 1 video frame (33.3 ms) as the maximum distance allowed between the average times of 2 events in the same cluster, 8 potential clusters were identified, 3 of which were statistically confirmed based on 90% confidence intervals on the mean time distances between events. Confirmed clusters included the time of (a) complete velar descent and the onset of the small noninspiratory flow (SNIF), (b) full separation of the base of the tongue from the pharyngeal wall and SNIF nadir, complete upper esophageal sphincter closure, and SNIF nadir, and (c) onset of epiglottic return and apnea offset. The onset of respiratory flow occurred within 13 ms after the onset of epiglottic return. Additionally, the percentage of swallows during which the bolus head or tail was located at each of 6 locations was determined for 20 of these events (10 videofluoroscopic, 10 respirodeglutometric). The 6 locations of interest included the oral cavity, base of tongue, valleculae, pyriform sinuses, upper esophageal sphincter, and the esophagus. Lastly, of the 72 swallows performed by these healthy, young adults, 65 (90.3%) were preceded by expiration, and all (100%) were followed by expiration.