Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
[Grading of the voice-related quality of life index]
E Grässel1, U Hoppe, F Rosanowski
1Bereich Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie der Psychiatrischen und Psychotherapeutischen Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Deutschland.
Background:
Although the voice-related quality of life (VRQOL) questionnaire has proved to be an appropriate diagnostic tool, there are no recommendations on how to grade the score. In this study the VRQOL was graded against the background of health-related quality of life.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 105 patients (56 women and 49 men) aged 49.4+/-16.1 years who presented with dysphonia of benign origin completed a German version of the VRQOL and the SF-36 health survey after giving informed consent. There was an organic disorder in 50%, in 37% a functional disorder and 13% had no disorder.
Results:
The only difference between the results of the VRQOL and the SF-36 was in the subscale on social functioning which showed a moderately strong (r(S)=0.40) and highly significant reduction in dysphonic patients (p<0.001). These results were therefore used as an external criterion for the graduation of the VRQOL results. The data suggest that VRQOL values of 0-40 can be classified as "clinically relevant deterioration", values of 41-80 as "no clinically relevant deterioration" and values over 80 as "normal" voice-related quality of life".
Conclusions:
The suggested grading system simplifies the assessment of individual VRQOL values. Now their clinical relevance as indication and end-point parameters must be investigated.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
01:21Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
01:27Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:27Angina II: Classification
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...