Vocal Function Exercises With and Without Maximally Sustained Phonation: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Individuals...

Area of Science:

• Speech-Language Pathology
• Voice Science
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Vocal Function Exercises (VFE) are a common voice therapy technique.
• The role of maximally sustained phonation within VFE requires further investigation.
• Optimizing VFE protocols can enhance voice outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of maximally sustained phonation on VFE efficacy.
• To compare VFE outcomes across different levels of sustained phonation requirements.
• To determine if modified VFE protocols yield comparable results to traditional VFE.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 23 participants with normal voices.
• Three groups: traditional VFE (TG), modified VFE with reduced phonation (MG), and modified VFE with removed phonation (BG).
• Primary outcome: percent of maximum phonation time goal attained over six weeks.

Main Results:

• Both the midpoint group (MG) and traditional group (TG) showed significant improvement in phonation time goals.
• The baseline group (BG), with removed phonation requirement, did not achieve significant improvement.
• No statistically significant difference was found among the groups' overall improvement.

Conclusions:

• Higher requirements for maximally sustained phonation enhance VFE efficacy for normal voice improvement.
• Partial modification of sustained phonation is possible without compromising VFE effectiveness.
• Complete elimination of maximally sustained phonation may reduce VFE benefits; further clinical research is needed.