Remote Voice Therapy With an Oscillatory Positive Expiratory Pressure Device in Subjects With Vocal Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed at assessing the efficacy of remote voice therapy (telepractice) implemented with Shaker Medic Plus device in subjects with vocal fatigue. Method: Thirty-six participants were initially enrolled in this study. Twenty-four participants with vocal fatigue were finally randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: (a) voice treatment with Shaker Medic Plus device plus vocal hygiene program ( n = 12) and (b) voice treatment with water resistance therapy (WRT) plus vocal hygiene program ( n = 12). Laryngoscopic assessment was conducted on all subjects. Before and after voice therapy, participants underwent (a) self-assessment of voice: Vocal Fatigue Index and Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale and (b) instrumental assessment with aerodynamic, acoustic, and electroglottographic measures. The treatment period included six voice therapy sessions within 6 weeks. Each session lasted 30 min. For both groups, exercises consisted of a sequence of nine phonatory tasks performed with Shaker Medic Plus (experimental group) and WRT (control group). Comparisons for all variables were performed between the experimental group and control group. Results: Significant improvements were found for self-reported variables when comparing pre- and postmeasures for both groups. No significant differences were found when comparing groups. No significant main effects or interactions were observed for any of the observed instrumental variables. Conclusions: Remote physiologic voice therapy with Shaker Medic Plus 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.