Summary
Purpose
The present study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of remote voice therapy (telepractice)
implemented with Acapella Choice device in subjects with vocal fatigue.
Methods
Thirty participants with vocal fatigue were randomly assigned to one of two treatment
groups: (1) voice treatment with acapella Choice device plus vocal hygiene program
(n=15), and (2) voice treatment with Water resistance therapy plus vocal hygiene program
(n=15). Laryngoscopic assessment was conducted in all subjects to confirm diagnosis.
Before and after voice therapy, participants underwent self-assessment of voice. Vocal
Fatigue Index (VFI), Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and Vocal tract discomfort scale
(VTDS) were used. Treatment period included six voice therapy sessions within 3 weeks,
with a frequency of two therapy sessions per week. Each session lasted 30 minutes.
For both groups, exercises consisted of a sequence of nine phonatory tasks performed
with Acapella Choice (experimental group) and WRT (control group). Comparison for
all variables were performed between experimental group and control group.
Results
Significant improvements were found when comparing Pre and Post measures for both
groups. No significant differences were found when comparing Acapella Choice group
and WRT group.
Conclusion
Remote physiologic voice therapy with Acapella Choice device and water resistance
therapy seem to be both effective to improve voice in subjects diagnosed with vocal
fatigue. No differences should be expected between these therapeutic protocols when
treating patients with vocal fatigue. Moreover, both are effective at reducing tiredness
of voice, voice avoidance, physical discomfort associated with voicing, subjective
perception of sensory discomfort in throat, and reduction of physical, emotional,
and functional impact of voice problems.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 22, 2022
Accepted:
July 27,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofFootnotes
Funding Statement: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Identification
Copyright
© 2022 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
