Effects of voice rehabilitation in people with MS: A double-blinded long-term randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypophonia is a prevailing problem in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of voice rehabilitation is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the most effective method to reduce hypophonia. METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 44 PwMS were randomized to intensive and high-effort voice treatment groups, the LSVT-LOUD®, and conventional treatment group. Subjects received 16 treatments (4 sessions/week) lasting 45 minutes. The primary outcome was voice intensity (dB) in monologue, vocalization, and sentences while voice handicap index (VHI) measured voice self-perception. Outcomes were assessed by a blinded observer at baseline, post-treatment, and 15-month follow-up (FU). RESULTS: Linear models revealed a significant post-intervention between-group mean difference in favor of LSVT-LOUD for monologue: +6.3 dB (95% CI: 2.5 to 10.1); vocalization: +7.4 dB (95% CI: 2.3 to 12.5); and sentences: +9.5 dB (95% CI: 4.7 to 14.3). However, 43.7% PwMS in the LSVT-LOUD and 10% in the conventional treatment group obtained a full recovery of voice intensity (>60 dB) post-treatment, Fisher's test = 13.3, p < 0.01. However, these improvements were not maintained at FU. Between-group differences at VHI were -10.8 (95% CI: -21.2 to -0.4) and -11.3 (95% CI: -24.3 to -1.7) in favor of LSVT-LOUD at post and FU. CONCLUSION: LSVT-LOUD can be a valid treatment to increase voice intensity in PwMS. However, results suggest the need for FU interventions targeting maintenance.

Prognostic role of gait speed in worsening heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Worsening Heart Failure (WHF) is associated with adverse prognosis. Identifying novel prognostic markers in WHF is crucial. Gait speed (GS), a validated frailty index, is an easily obtainable parameter that may aid in reclassifying the risk of HF patients. We assessed the independent prognostic role of GS in WHF patients. METHODS: We studied 171 patients with chronic HF with worsening congestion symptoms and inadequate response to standard therapies, requiring intravenous diuretic treatment. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause mortality or HF hospitalization. We assessed the association and the incremental value of GS, as compared to other clinical confounders, with the primary outcome. RESULTS: The mean age was 76±11 years, 66 % were male, median BNP was 481 pg/ml, and median ejection fraction was 40 %. Over a median follow-up of 11.3 months, 71 events occurred. Lower GS was significantly associated with a higher risk of events (HR of 4.03, 95 % CI 2.25-7.21), along with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, BNP, QRS duration, natremia, and previous myocardial infarction. When added to the MAGGIC risk score and the other significant confounders identified, GS significantly enhanced the model risk prediction (Harrell's C-index 0.75 vs 0.71, p < 0.001). At Classification And Regression Tree analysis, GS≤0.8 m/s was the first parameter to be considered to risk stratify the population. CONCLUSIONS: GS, an easily obtainable marker of frailty, may contribute to improve the risk stratification of patients with WHF.