Laryngology
Published: 2023-05-23
download
PDF

Combined treatment of muscle tension dysphonia: voice therapy with instrumental postural rehabilitation

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University Department Head-Neck and Sense Organs, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy
Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University Department Head-Neck and Sense Organs, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemeolaryngology, University Department Head-Neck and Selli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Otorhinnse Organs, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy
voice muscle tension dysphonia rehabilitation postural control

Abstract

Objectives. This investigation aimed to propose a new rehabilitation technique that combines voice exercises and instrumental postural rehabilitation for patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).
Methods. We enrolled nine dysphonic patients (8 women and 1 man, aged 22‑55 years). Voice assessment included strobovideolaryngoscopy, Maximum Phonation Time (MPT), perceptual evaluation by GRBAS scale and patient’s self‑rating by Italian version of the Voice Handicap Index (VHI). Vestibular function was evaluated by the Bed Side Examination and Video Head Impulse test (VHIT). Postural control was evaluated by Dynamic Posturography (DP) using the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and analysing the Equilibrium Score (ES) and balance subsystems (somatosensorial, visual, vestibular).
Results. All cases underwent different types of voice exercises combined with balance training based on NeuroCom Balance Master Protocols, once a week for six 35‑minutes sessions. After therapy, an improvement in MPT, VHI, GRBAS scores and endoscopic laryngeal features was obtained. DP results at baseline were normal and after therapy we showed a slight improvement of ES (somatosensorial and visual components).
Conclusions. A combined rehabilitation technique for MTD, by improving the attention to postural control, allows for significant improvement in vocal symptoms.

Affiliations

Pasqualina Maria Picciotti

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University Department Head-Neck and Sense Organs, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Maria Raffaella Marchese

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Ylenia Longobardi

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Giuseppe Oliveto

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Lea Calò

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University Department Head-Neck and Sense Organs, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Lucia D'Alatri

Complex Unit of Otolaryngology, Department of Aging, Neurological, Orthopedic and Head and Neck Sciences, “Agostino Gemeolaryngology, University Department Head-Neck and Selli” IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Section of Otorhinnse Organs, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy

Copyright

© Società Italiana di Otorinolaringoiatria e chirurgia cervico facciale , 2023

  • Abstract viewed - 39 times
  • PDF downloaded - 27 times