Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Employing the Forced Oscillation Technique for the Assessment of Respiratory Mechanics in Adults
Published on: February 9, 2022
Effectiveness of an Eclectic Voice Therapy Approach and Vocal Function Exercise (VFE)-Normative Range Cutoff Value
Shenbagavalli Mahalingam1, Prakash Boominathan2, Ravikumar Arunachalam3
1Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma.
Objectives:
The Comprehensive Voice Habilitation Program (CVHP) is a structured and systematic eclectic voice therapy program combining direct and indirect therapy techniques for hyperfunctional voice disorders. This study compared multidimensional outcomes of CVHP and Vocal Function Exercise (VFE) using normative range cutoff values.
Methods:
This study is a secondary analysis of outcome data obtained from a randomized controlled trial conducted by Mahalingam et al.1 Sixty participants with hyperfunctional voice disorders were randomly assigned to two therapy programs: Group I (30 in CVHP) and Group II (30 in VFE), twice a week, 30-minute sessions for a period of 6 weeks. Normative data from literature (matched for the population-Tamil-speaking, instrumentation, and lab setup) were used to compare pre- and post-therapy outcomes for each of the parameters of interest-videostroboscopy, acoustic analysis, perceptual measures, self-reported vocal symptoms, and subjective self-percept measures. A chi-square test was performed to compare significant differences in outcomes between the groups.
Results:
Normative values were set as targets of therapy in both groups, and most participants attained post-therapy in several parameters. More number of participants in the CVHP group showed complete recovery of the lesion, and the post-therapy values of parameters such as cepstral measures (CPPv-P = 0.00; CPPSv-P = 0.04), harmonics-to-noise ratio, dysphonia severity index, dynamic range in speaking voice, frequency-related measures, perceptual measures of voice-overall grade (P = 0.02), asthenia (A) (p=0.03) and strain (S) (P = 0.01), reduction in self-reported symptoms, all domains of voice disorder outcome profile (V-DOP), and Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI-T) factor I- (P = 0.04); factor III (P = 0.02) were within the expected target normative range. For intensity-related parameters, the numbers were almost similar in both groups.
Conclusions:
CVHP was found beneficial to treat hyperfunctional voice disorders. However, assessing long-term outcomes will be of interest in the future.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
01:28Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract IV: Auscultation
Breath Sounds
Breath sounds are categorized into vesicular, bronchovesicular, and bronchial.
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:
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:19Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...