Active Ingredients of Voice Therapy for Muscle Tension Voice Disorders: A Retrospective Data Audit

Abstract

Background: Although voice therapy is the first line treatment for muscle-tension voice disorders (MTVD), no clinical research has investigated the role of specific active ingredients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of active ingredients in the treatment of MTVD. A retrospective review of a clinical voice database was conducted on 68 MTVD patients who were treated using the optimal phonation task (OPT) and sob voice quality (SVQ), as well as two different processes: task variation and negative practice (NP). Mixed-model analysis was performed on auditory–perceptual and acoustic data from voice recordings at baseline and after each technique. Active ingredients were evaluated using effect sizes. Significant overall treatment effects were observed for the treatment program. Effect sizes ranged from 0.34 (post-NP) to 0.387 (post-SVQ) for overall severity ratings. Effect sizes ranged from 0.237 (post-SVQ) to 0.445 (post-NP) for a smoothed cepstral peak prominence measure. The treatment effects did not depend upon the MTVD type (primary or secondary), treating clinicians, nor the number of sessions and days between sessions. Implementation of individual techniques that promote improved voice quality and processes that support learning resulted in improved habitual voice quality. Both voice techniques and processes can be considered as active ingredients in voice therapy.

Advances in Management of Voice and Swallowing Disorders

“…Three studies report on behavioural interventions in people with voice and swallowing problems. Madill et al [7] describe the efficacy of active ingredients in the treatment of muscle-tension voice disorders, whereas Sinkiewicz et al [8] present the results of a rehabilitation program for occupational voice disorders in teachers. A third study by Park et al [9] on lingual strengthening training in older adults compares a new progressive resistance exercise with a conventional isometric tongue strengthening exercise.…”