Lax Vox as a Voice Training Program for Teachers: A Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Occupational Voice Use
• Voice Therapy Techniques

Background:

• Teachers are at high risk for voice disorders due to occupational demands.
• Effective voice training programs are crucial for maintaining vocal health in educators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 3-week Lax Vox voice therapy program for teachers.
• To assess improvements in voice quality, vocal function, and self-perceived vocal health.

Main Methods:

• Four healthy female teachers participated in a 3-week Lax Vox training program.
• Voice assessments included perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic measures, and self-evaluation (Voice Handicap Index).
• Applicability of the therapy was assessed via survey; treatment effects were analyzed using effect size (d_unb).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in perceptual and acoustic voice quality (d_unb >0.50 and d_unb >0.80).
• Medium improvements noted in self-evaluation and maximum phonation time (d_unb >0.50).
• Voice range profiles showed expanded upper contour, particularly in modal and falsetto registers, with increased intensity levels (4.6 dB).

Conclusions:

• Lax Vox training demonstrated positive effects on specific voice quality measures, maximum phonation time, and vocal function in teachers.
• The therapy was perceived as applicable and beneficial, supporting training success and daily routine transfer.
• Findings suggest Lax Vox is a valuable tool for improving teachers' vocal health.