Summary
Introduction
Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO), the condition previously known as paradoxical
vocal fold motion and vocal cord dysfunction, is characterized by inappropriate glottic
or supraglottic obstruction during high-intensity exercise, causing exertional dyspnea,
frequently with stridor. EILO is definitively diagnosed through upper-airway visualization
during a characteristic episode. Although respiratory retraining is a primary therapy
for EILO, many patients report symptom persistence despite adequate performance of
traditional techniques. This report describes three novel breathing techniques for
EILO, the Olin EILOBI (EILO biphasic inspiratory) breathing techniques. We include
a teaching process and case series with patient-reported assessments.
Materials and Methods
Following descriptions of the techniques and teaching process, we present data from
a questionnaire offered to all patients who learned at least one of the techniques
between September 2015 and March 2017. Subjects evaluated (1) expectation setting,
(2) teaching processes, (3) their ability to implement the techniques during high-intensity
exercise, and (4) perceived clinical effectiveness.
Results
Ninety-five percent of eligible patients participated, a primarily young, female,
and Caucasian sample. Over 50% of subjects competed at the high school varsity level.
Sixty-two percent of subjects perceived reasonable expectations, and 82% positively
evaluated the teaching process. Seventy-nine percent were able to employ their technique
in the high-intensity activity of choice, and 66% perceived clinical effectiveness
with the techniques.
Conclusions
The Olin EILOBI breathing techniques are novel respiratory retraining techniques for
use in high-intensity exercise. Case series subjects reported reasonable expectations,
a helpful teaching process, the ability to use these techniques during high-intensity
exercise, and perceived clinical effectiveness.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 16, 2017
Accepted:
August 18,
2017
Footnotes
Author contributions: Kristina Johnston wrote the first draft of this manuscript and contributed to all phases of study design, data collection, data analysis, and manuscript review. Hannah Bradford, Heather Hodges, and Emily Nauman provided draft writing of specific sections, a critical review of questionnaire items, and critical review of the manuscript. Camille Moore devised and completed all statistical analyses. J. Tod Olin was involved in the study conception, study design, questionnaire creation, regulatory processes, data acquisition, data analysis, and manuscript review.
Identification
Copyright
© 2018 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
