Can Vocal Therapy With Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) Followed by Vocal Exercises Reduce Benign Laryngeal Lesions in Dysphonic Women?: Randomized, Blind Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of vocal therapy with the use of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) followed by voice exercises on vocal fold lesion size, vocal quality and quality of life in dysphonic women. METHODS: 27 women with vocal nodules participated, randomized into to: experimental group (EG)-13 women who received vocal therapy with 12 sessions of 20 min of TENS application (pulse:200µs, frequency:10Hz, motor threshold intensity, electrodes positioned in the trapezius muscle [descending fibers and submandibular region, bilaterally]). Each TENS session was followed by 30 min of vocal exercises; and the Control Group (CG)- 14 women who received 12 sessions with 20 min of application of placebo TENS (same conditions EG, but without receiving the stimulus electric), followed by 30 min of vocal exercise. Before, immediately after and one month after vocal therapy, participants underwent vocal recording for acoustic analysis, vocal self-assessment, laryngological examination and answered voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) protocol. RESULTS: There was reduction in the size of vocal fold lesions only in the EG, immediately after treatment and one month after treatment. Acoustic analysis showed decreases in SPI values immediately after and one month after treatment in both groups. There was improvement in voice self-perception in both groups after treatment and one month after, but no significant difference in V-RQOL values. CONCLUSION: TENS followed by vocal exercises produced results similar to vocal therapy without TENS regarding voice quality, self-perception and quality of life in voice. However, vocal therapy with low-frequency TENS followed by vocal exercise was effective in reducing vocal fold lesion size in dysphonic women.

Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation. / Reduzindo o gap entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional ­ parte B: técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal e técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação vocal.

This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part "A" we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part "B" focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.

O presente texto é a continuação da publicação referente ao XVIII Congresso da SBFa. Na parte "A" apresentamos análises sobre avaliação clínica vocal. O foco da parte "B" são aspectos de reabilitação vocal: 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação. Os inúmeros estudos sobre os diversos programas, métodos ou técnicas tradicionais de reabilitação, muitos de elevada qualidade de evidência, permitem considerar tais procedimentos relativamente bem descritos, seguros e com efeitos conhecidos, dando conta do tratamento de diversos distúrbios vocais. As evidências científicas com as técnicas tradicionais são reconhecidas mundialmente. Novas frentes de evolução, como o uso da eletroestimulação ou fotobiomodulação em voz parecem ser promissoras como abordagens coadjuvantes. Há mais estudos sobre eletroestimulação em voz do que com fotobiomodulação, contudo, evidências científicas para essas duas técnicas modernas são ainda limitadas. Conhecimento e cautela são necessários para a aplicação de quaisquer técnicas.

Reducing the GAP between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part A: perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality, acoustic vocal signal analysis and voice self-assessment. / Reduzindo o GAP entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional ­ parte A: julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal, análise acústica do sinal vocal e autoavaliação em voz.

During the XXVIII Brazilian Congress of SBFa, 24 specialists met and, from a leading position on scientific research as a tool for connecting laboratory and clinic, five fronts of knowledge of the voice specialty were discussed as following: Perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality; 2. Acoustic analysis of the vocal signal; 3. Voice self-assessment; 4. Traditional techniques of therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation (PBMT) in voice. Part "a" of this publication was associated with the consolidation of the analyses of the first three aspects. The trend in the perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality was related to the use of standard protocols. The acoustic evaluation of the vocal signal is accessible and can be done descriptively or by extraction of parameters, thus preferring multiparametric measures. Finally, the analysis of the individual himself closes this triad of voice documentation, which will be the basis for the conclusion of the evaluation, reference for monitoring progress, and evaluation of treatment results.

No XXVIII Congresso Brasileiro da SBFa, 24 especialistas reuniram-se e, a partir de um posicionamento condutor sobre pesquisa científica como ferramenta de conexão entre laboratório e clínica, cinco frentes de conhecimento da especialidade de voz foram discutidas: 1. Julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal; 2. Análise acústica do sinal vocal; 3. Autoavaliação em voz; 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação em voz. A parte "a" desta publicação é a consolidação das análises dos três primeiros aspectos. A tendência no julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal é o uso de protocolos padrão. A avaliação acústica do sinal vocal é acessível e pode ser feita de modo descritivo ou por extração de parâmetros, preferindo-se medidas multiparamétricas. Finalmente, a análise do próprio indivíduo fecha essa tríade de documentação fonoaudiológica, que será base para a conclusão da avaliação, referência para monitoramento do progresso e avaliação de resultado de tratamento.

Reduzindo o GAP entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional - parte A: julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal, análise acústica do sinal vocal e autoavaliação em voz / Reducing the GAP between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part A: perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality, acoustic vocal signal analysis and voice self-assessment

RESUMO No XXVIII Congresso Brasileiro da SBFa, 24 especialistas reuniram-se e, a partir de um posicionamento condutor sobre pesquisa científica como ferramenta de conexão entre laboratório e clínica, cinco frentes de conhecimento da especialidade de voz foram discutidas: 1. Julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal; 2. Análise acústica do sinal vocal; 3. Autoavaliação em voz; 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação em voz. A parte "a" desta publicação é a consolidação das análises dos três primeiros aspectos. A tendência no julgamento perceptivo-auditivo da qualidade vocal é o uso de protocolos padrão. A avaliação acústica do sinal vocal é acessível e pode ser feita de modo descritivo ou por extração de parâmetros, preferindo-se medidas multiparamétricas. Finalmente, a análise do próprio indivíduo fecha essa tríade de documentação fonoaudiológica, que será base para a conclusão da avaliação, referência para monitoramento do progresso e avaliação de resultado de tratamento.

ABSTRACT During the XXVIII Brazilian Congress of SBFa, 24 specialists met and, from a leading position on scientific research as a tool for connecting laboratory and clinic, five fronts of knowledge of the voice specialty were discussed as following: Perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality; 2. Acoustic analysis of the vocal signal; 3. Voice self-assessment; 4. Traditional techniques of therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation (PBMT) in voice. Part "a" of this publication was associated with the consolidation of the analyses of the first three aspects. The trend in the perceptual-auditory judgment of vocal quality was related to the use of standard protocols. The acoustic evaluation of the vocal signal is accessible and can be done descriptively or by extraction of parameters, thus preferring multiparametric measures. Finally, the analysis of the individual himself closes this triad of voice documentation, which will be the basis for the conclusion of the evaluation, reference for monitoring progress, and evaluation of treatment results.

Reduzindo o gap entre a ciência e a clínica: lições da academia e da prática profissional - parte B: técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal e técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação vocal / Reducing the gap between science and clinic: lessons from academia and professional practice - part B: traditional vocal therapy techniques and modern electrostimulation and photobiomodulation techniques applied to vocal rehabilitation

RESUMO O presente texto é a continuação da publicação referente ao XVIII Congresso da SBFa. Na parte "A" apresentamos análises sobre avaliação clínica vocal. O foco da parte "B" são aspectos de reabilitação vocal: 4. Técnicas tradicionais de terapia vocal; 5. Técnicas modernas de eletroestimulação e fotobiomodulação aplicadas à reabilitação. Os inúmeros estudos sobre os diversos programas, métodos ou técnicas tradicionais de reabilitação, muitos de elevada qualidade de evidência, permitem considerar tais procedimentos relativamente bem descritos, seguros e com efeitos conhecidos, dando conta do tratamento de diversos distúrbios vocais. As evidências científicas com as técnicas tradicionais são reconhecidas mundialmente. Novas frentes de evolução, como o uso da eletroestimulação ou fotobiomodulação em voz parecem ser promissoras como abordagens coadjuvantes. Há mais estudos sobre eletroestimulação em voz do que com fotobiomodulação, contudo, evidências científicas para essas duas técnicas modernas são ainda limitadas. Conhecimento e cautela são necessários para a aplicação de quaisquer técnicas.

ABSTRACT This text is the continuation of the XVIII SBFa Congress publication. In part "A" we presented the analyses on clinical vocal evaluation. Part "B" focuses on vocal rehabilitation: 4. Traditional techniques of vocal therapy; 5. Modern techniques of electrostimulation and photobiomodulation applied to vocal rehabilitation. The numerous studies on the various programs, methods, and techniques of traditional rehabilitation techniques, and many with high quality of evidence, allow us to consider such procedures relatively well described, safe, and with known effects, accounting for the treatment of various vocal disorders. The scientific evidence with traditional techniques is recognized worldwide. New fronts of evolution, with electrostimulation or photobiomodulation used to handle voice problems, seem to be promising as coadjutant approaches. There are more studies on electrostimulation in vocal rehabilitation than with photobiomodulation; however, scientific evidence for these two modern techniques is still limited. Knowledge and caution are required for the application of either technique.

Effects of transcutaneous electrical nervous stimulation (TENS) associated with vocal therapy on musculoskeletal pain of women with behavioral dysphonia: A randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial.

Recently, electrical stimulation in vocal rehabilitation has been the subject of studies. This treatment has shown promising results regarding the decrease of vocal/laryngeal symptoms, pain and the improvement of vocal tension. In addition to decreasing pain symptoms, TENS treatments may lead to muscle relaxation. There is no data on the effects of this resource as a vocal therapy in women with behavioral dysphonia. Research in this area may provide evidence to assist the clinical decision related to the treatment of women with complaints of behavioral dysphonia and musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of low-frequency TENS in association with vocal therapy on musculoskeletal pain in women with behavioral dysphonia. METHODS: Participants included 27 women with vocal nodules randomized into two groups. The experimental group (EG) - 13 women received 12 sessions of TENS (pulse of 200 µs, frequency at 10 Hz, in motor threshold) with electrodes placed bilaterally on the trapezius muscle and submandibular area for 20 min followed by 30 min of vocal therapy, and the control group (CG) - 14 women received 12 sessions of 20 min of a placebo TENS followed by 30 min of vocal therapy. We investigated the frequency and intensity of the musculoskeletal pain in several body regions, as well as the intensity of pain at rest and in the application of pressure with an algometer applied to the descending fibers of the trapezius muscle. The pressure-pain threshold (PPT) was also investigated. All evaluations occurred before, immediately after, and at one and three months after treatment in both groups. RESULTS: We observed a reduction in the frequency of pain in the larynx after treatment of both groups, but only the EG showed a decrease in pain intensity in this region. It was verified with an algometer to the trapezius muscle that the electrical stimulation associated with the vocal therapy decreased the intensity of pain during the application of pressure and increased the PPT. There were no significant differences with regard to variables investigated in the comparison between the interventions. On the other hand, there was decreased pain in the trapezius muscle for the EG in comparison to the pre- and post-intervention. CONCLUSION: The vocal therapyprogram reduced the frequency and intensity of the musculoskeletal pain in the regions proximal to the larynx of women with behavioral dysphonia. In addition, TENS followed by vocal therapy increased the threshold of sensitivity to muscular pain in the trapezius, demonstrating that it is a good resource to use in conjunction with traditional vocal therapy in cases of behavioral dysphonia associated with pain and muscle tension.

Effectiveness of Voice Therapy Associated With Electromyographic Biofeedback in Women With Behavioral Dysphonia: Randomized Placebo-Controlled Double-Blind Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback in women with behavioral dysphonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind clinical trial. Twenty-two adult women with behavioral dysphonia were randomly divided into two groups: Experimental Group-11 women participated in vocal therapy associated with the application of electromyographic biofeedback; Placebo Group-11 women participated in vocal therapy associated with the application of placebo electromyographic biofeedback. Both groups performed eight therapy sessions, twice a week, lasting 30 minutes. The vocal therapy of both groups was composed of semioccluded vocal tract exercises (trill, humming, and fricative). The evaluations were performed at four time points-before, after, one, and three months after the vocal therapy-and will consist of the following assessments: auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice, acoustic evaluation of voice, and surface electromyographic. The data were analyzed statistically comparing the groups and the time of evaluation (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The proposed vocal therapy promoted positive results in vocal quality and muscular electrical activity during rest in women with behavioral dysphonia for both groups. Electromyographic biofeedback promoted additional positive results in muscle electrical activity during phonatory tasks in women with behavioral dysphonia. CONCLUSION: In this study, the vocal therapy associated with electromyographic biofeedback had equivalent efficacy to traditional therapy in the voice. The biofeedback was more effective than traditional therapy on muscular electrical activity and had effects that remained for a longer time in women with behavioral dysphonia.

Surface electromyographic biofeedback for behavioral dysphonia in adult people: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To review systematically the literature and to analyze the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: Two authors performed an independent search in the following databases: Clinical Trials, Cochrane Library, Embase, LILACS, PubMed, and Web of Science. A specific search strategy was developed for each database. SELECTION CRITERIA: The review included studies that examined the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback compared to other direct vocal therapy intervention in adults with behavioral dysphonia. There were no restrictions in regard to language or date of publication. DATA ANALYSIS: Analysis of the risk of bias, heterogeneity, quantitative and qualitative data, sensitivity, subgroups, and publication bias. RESULTS: 51 studies were identified, but only two cohort studies remained as prospects for analysis. The studies showed 100% uncertain risk of selection, performance, and detection bias. There was a high degree of clinical heterogeneity. The descriptive analysis showed a reduction in muscle electrical activity and improvement in vocal self-assessment using electromyographic biofeedback; however, it was not possible to calculate the effect size of the interventions. The present study was limited by the fact that it was unable to show a consensus for the majority of data analyzed. CONCLUSION: The available literature does not support a conclusive finding about the effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback compared to other direct interventions used in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia. The studies analyzed vary widely in their clinical procedures and methodology, making it impossible to determine the procedure's effectiveness.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT): Immediate Effects in Women With Dysphonia.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to verify the immediate effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) in musculoskeletal pain, voice quality, and self-reported signs in women with dysphonia. METHOD: Thirty women with behavioral dysphonia were randomly divided into the TENS group and the LMT group. All participants fulfilled the pain survey and had their voices recorded to posterior perceptual and acoustic analysis before and after intervention. The TENS group received a unique low-frequency TENS session (20 minutes). The LMT group received LMT (20 minutes) with soft and superficial massage in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, suprahyoid muscles, and larynx. Afterward, the volunteers reported their voice, larynx, breathing, and articulatory signs. Pre and post data were compared by parametric and nonparametric tests. RESULTS: After TENS, a decrease in pain intensity in the posterior or anterior region of the neck, shoulders, upper or lower back, and masseter was observed. After LMT, a decrease in pain intensity in the neck anterior region, shoulders, lower back, and temporal region was observed. Also, after TENS, there was an improvement in vowel /a/ instability; after LMT, there was a general improvement in voice quality, decrease in tension, and decrease in breathiness in speech. Positive voice and laryngeal signs were reported after TENS, and positive laryngeal signs and articulation were reported after LMT. CONCLUSION: TENS and LMT may be used in voice treatment of women with behavioral dysphonia, and both may be considered important therapy resources that reduce musculoskeletal pain and cause positive laryngeal signs. Both TENS and LMT are able to partially improve voice quality, but TENS presented better results.

Laryngeal Manual Therapies for Behavioral Dysphonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to review systematically the literature and to analyze the effectiveness of laryngeal manual therapy in addressing the overall severity of vocal deviation, the intensity of vocal and laryngeal symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain in adults with behavioral dysphonia. STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: Two independent authors selected clinical trials that analyzed the effectiveness of laryngeal manual therapy compared with other interventions in the treatment of adults with behavioral dysphonia from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, and LILACS. The analyzed outcomes were the overall severity of vocal deviation, the intensity of vocal and laryngeal symptoms, and musculoskeletal pain. Data analysis was conducted based on the following steps: the assessment of the risk of bias, the measures of treatment effect and descriptive data analysis, the assessment of heterogeneity, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and the assessment of reporting biases. RESULTS: A total of 2135 studies were identified, three of which met the selection criteria. Data analysis showed an unclear risk of 100% of performance bias and 66% of detection bias, in addition to a 33% high risk of selection bias. Low statistical and clinical heterogeneities were found. In addition, no significant difference was found in the relative risk of improvement with laryngeal manual therapy and with other interventions in the analyzed outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Various types of laryngeal manual therapies are available with similar objectives and effects, but their effectiveness is equivalent to that of other interventions involving direct voice therapy in the rehabilitation of adults with behavioral dysphonia.

Correlation between Voice and Auditory Processing.

PURPOSE: To compare and to correlate the performance of women with behavioral dysphonia and without voice disorders in auditory processing tests and in the Voice Tone Reproduction Test (VTRT). METHODS: Forty women aged from 18 to 44 years participated and were divided in two groups: dysphonic (DG) and non-dysphonic (NDG). The participants underwent interview, hearing, otorhinolaryngology and voice assessments (voice record, VTRT through phonetography), and auditory processing assessment-using the Pitch Pattern Sequence (PPS) test and the Duration Pattern Sequence (DPS) test. The statistical analysis compared both groups, and there was a correlation test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The NDG had a better performance in the PPS test (P = 0.000), in the VTRT test in the first attempt (P = 0.025), and in the total of correct answers (P = 0.017). There was a positive correlation between the PPS and both the first attempt of the VTRT and the total number of attempts. Regarding the DPS, there was a positive correlation for the left ear with the total number of VTRT attempts. CONCLUSIONS: Dysphonic women presented disorders in temporal auditory processing skills, revealing an important relation between vocal production and impairment of some central auditory functions. There was a positive correlation between the performance in the auditory processing assessment and the performance in voice tone reproduction in both groups. The VTRT may assist speech therapists and voice trainers in verifying difficulties of auditory perception of dysphonic women when the cause is due to behavioral tdysphonia.

Effects of laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in vocal folds diadochokinesis of dysphonic women: a randomized clinical trial. / Efeitos da terapia manual laríngea e da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) na diadococinesia laríngea em mulheres disfônicas: estudo clínico randomizado.

PURPOSE: To verify and compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) on laryngeal diadochokinesis (DDK) of dysphonic women. METHODS: Twenty women with bilateral vocal nodules participated and were equally divided into: LMT Group - LMT application; TENS Group - TENS application; both groups received 12 sessions of treatment, twice a week, with a duration of 20 minutes each, applied by the same therapist. The women were evaluated as to laryngeal DDK at three moments: diagnostic, pre-treatment, and post-treatment, which produced three groups of measurements. The DDK recording was performed with intersected repetition of vowels /a/ and / i/. The analysis of vowels was performed by the program Motor Speech Profile Advanced (MSP)-KayPentax. The DDK parameters of the three evaluations were compared by means of the paired t-test (p≤0.05). RESULTS: The measurements of laryngeal DDK parameters were similar in the phase without treatment, indicating no individual variability over time. There was no change with respect to the speed of DDK after intervention, but after LMT, DDK of the vowel /i/ was more stable in terms of the duration of the emissions and intensity of emissions repeated. These results show improved coordination of vocal folds movement during phonation. There were no changes in the DDK parameters following TENS. CONCLUSION: LMT provides greater regularity of movement during laryngeal diadochokinesis in dysphonic women, which extends knowledge on the effect of rebalancing the larynx muscles during phonation, although TENS does not impact laryngeal diadochokinesis.

Efeitos da terapia manual laríngea e da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) na diadococinesia laríngea em mulheres disfônicas: estudo clínico randomizado / Effects of laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) in vocal folds diadochokinesis of dysphonic women: a randomized clinical trial

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar e comparar os efeitos da terapia manual laríngea (TML) e da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS) na diadococinesia laríngea de mulheres disfônicas. Método Participaram 20 mulheres com nódulos vocais, divididas igualmente por sorteio em: Grupo TML–aplicação de TML; Grupo TENS–aplicação de TENS; ambos receberam 12 sessões de tratamento, duas vezes por semana, 20 minutos cada, pelo mesmo terapeuta. As mulheres foram avaliadas quanto à diadococinesia (DDC) laríngea em três momentos, diagnóstico, pré-tratamento e pós-tratamento, o que produziu três grupos de medidas. A gravação da DDC foi realizada por meio da repetição entrecortada das vogais: /a/ e /i/. A análise da DDC foi realizada pelo programa Motor Speech Profile Advanced (MSP)-KayPentax. Os parâmetros da DDC das três avaliações foram comparados entre si pelo teste t pareado (p≤0,05). Resultados Parâmetros DDC se apresentaram semelhantes na fase sem tratamento, indicando que não houve variabilidade individual ao longo do tempo. Não houve modificação em relação à velocidade da DDC após intervenções, mas após TML, a DDC da vogal /i/ se apresentou mais estável em relação à duração do período e à intensidade das emissões. Estes resultados indicam que TML melhorou a coordenação de movimentos das pregas vocais à fonação. Não houve modificações dos parâmetros da DDC em relação à estabilidade das emissões após TENS. Conclusão TML promove maior regularidade de movimentos diadococinéticos das pregas vocais em mulheres disfônicas, o que amplia o conhecimento sobre o efeito do reequilíbrio da musculatura laríngea na função fonatória, já TENS não proporciona efeitos na diadococinesia laríngea.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify and compare the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) on laryngeal diadochokinesis (DDK) of dysphonic women. Methods Twenty women with bilateral vocal nodules participated and were equally divided into: LMT Group – LMT application; TENS Group – TENS application; both groups received 12 sessions of treatment, twice a week, with a duration of 20 minutes each, applied by the same therapist. The women were evaluated as to laryngeal DDK at three moments: diagnostic, pre-treatment, and post-treatment, which produced three groups of measurements. The DDK recording was performed with intersected repetition of vowels /a/ and / i/. The analysis of vowels was performed by the program Motor Speech Profile Advanced (MSP)-KayPentax. The DDK parameters of the three evaluations were compared by means of the paired t-test (p≤0.05). Results The measurements of laryngeal DDK parameters were similar in the phase without treatment, indicating no individual variability over time. There was no change with respect to the speed of DDK after intervention, but after LMT, DDK of the vowel /i/ was more stable in terms of the duration of the emissions and intensity of emissions repeated. These results show improved coordination of vocal folds movement during phonation. There were no changes in the DDK parameters following TENS. Conclusion LMT provides greater regularity of movement during laryngeal diadochokinesis in dysphonic women, which extends knowledge on the effect of rebalancing the larynx muscles during phonation, although TENS does not impact laryngeal diadochokinesis.

Immediate effect of laryngeal manual therapy in dysphonic individuals.

PURPOSES: To investigate the immediate effect of Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT) in musculoskeletal pain, in voice and sensations referred to individuals with behavioral dysphonia and individuals without it. METHODS: 30 individuals ranging from 18 to 45 years old were selected and sorted into two groups: the dysphonic group (DG) - 15 individuals with functional or organofunctional dysphonia, and the control group (CG) - 15 individuals without vocal complaints and with non-impaired voices. The individuals answered a pain questionnaire and their voices were subsequently registered. The initial evaluation was repeated after the LMT. The LMT was applied for 20 minutes. After the LMT, the individuals were self-evaluated in terms of sensations in their voices, larynxes, articulations and respiration. RESULTS: After the application of LMT, the DG reported significant improvement of pain in the following areas: temporal, larynx, posterior neck, wrists/hands/fingers, upper and lower back, hip/thigh, which did not occur in CG. The perceptual analysis of the vowel /a/ revealed no significant difference in any parameter in both groups after the LMT. The analysis of the speech showed that there was an increase of the roughness parameter after the application of LMT just in the DG. The DG individuals reported better sensations in the larynx and articulations after the submission to LMT, which did not occur in CG. CONCLUSION: this study clarified that TML immediately reduces the intensity of corporal pain in dysphonic individuals, which did not occur in individuals without any vocal impairments. Although the perceptual analysis reveals an increase of the roughness in the quality of the voice, positive sensation in the larynx and articulation were reported by dysphonic individuals after the application of TML.

Efeito imediato da terapia manual laríngea em indivíduos disfônicos / Immediate effect of laryngeal manual therapy in dysphonic individuals

RESUMO Objetivos: Verificar o efeito imediato da terapia manual laríngea (TML) na dor musculoesquelética, na voz e nas sensações autorreferidas em indivíduos com disfonia funcional/organofuncional de origem comportamental e em indivíduos sem disfonia. Métodos: Participaram 30 indivíduos do gênero feminino e masculino, com idade entre 18 e 45 anos. Foram divididos em grupo disfônico (GD), 15 indivíduos com disfonia funcional/organofuncional; e grupo controle (GC), 15 indivíduos com vozes saudáveis, sem queixas vocais. Todos preencheram questionário de investigação de dor e foram submetidos a registro vocal para posterior avaliação perceptivo-auditiva e acústica da voz. Aplicou-se a TML por 20 minutos em ambos os grupos e repetiu-se a avaliação inicial. Após a TML, os indivíduos realizaram autoavaliação referente às sensações vocais, laríngeas, articulatórias e respiratórias. Resultados: No GD observou-se diminuição da dor após aplicação da TML nas regiões: temporal, laringe, parte posterior do pescoço, punhos/mãos/dedos, parte superior e inferior das costas, quadril/coxas, não observado no GC. A análise perceptivo-auditiva da vogal /a/ revelou que não houve diferença significante em nenhum parâmetro de ambos os grupos após TML. Na fala espontânea, houve piora no parâmetro rugosidade após a TML apenas no GD. Os indivíduos do GD relataram melhor sensação na laringe e articulação após a TML, o mesmo não foi observado no GC. Conclusão: A TML diminuiu a intensidade da dor corporal em disfônicos, o que não ocorreu com os indivíduos sem alterações vocais. Apesar da análise perceptivo-auditiva revelar aumento da rugosidade vocal, foram relatadas sensações positivas na laringe e na articulação pelos disfônicos após a TML.

ABSTRACT Purposes: To investigate the immediate effect of Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT) in musculoskeletal pain, in voice and sensations referred to individuals with behavioral dysphonia and individuals without it. Methods: 30 individuals ranging from 18 to 45 years old were selected and sorted into two groups: the dysphonic group (DG) - 15 individuals with functional or organofunctional dysphonia, and the control group (CG) - 15 individuals without vocal complaints and with non-impaired voices. The individuals answered a pain questionnaire and their voices were subsequently registered. The initial evaluation was repeated after the LMT. The LMT was applied for 20 minutes. After the LMT, the individuals were self-evaluated in terms of sensations in their voices, larynxes, articulations and respiration. Results: After the application of LMT, the DG reported significant improvement of pain in the following areas: temporal, larynx, posterior neck, wrists/hands/fingers, upper and lower back, hip/thigh, which did not occur in CG. The perceptual analysis of the vowel /a/ revealed no significant difference in any parameter in both groups after the LMT. The analysis of the speech showed that there was an increase of the roughness parameter after the application of LMT just in the DG. The DG individuals reported better sensations in the larynx and articulations after the submission to LMT, which did not occur in CG. Conclusion: this study clarified that TML immediately reduces the intensity of corporal pain in dysphonic individuals, which did not occur in individuals without any vocal impairments. Although the perceptual analysis reveals an increase of the roughness in the quality of the voice, positive sensation in the larynx and articulation were reported by dysphonic individuals after the application of TML.

Evaluation of Electrostimulation Effect in Women With Vocal Nodules.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with and without tongue trills in women with vocal nodules. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, comparative intra-subject study. METHODS: A total of 60 women aged 18-55 years were included. Visual-perceptual assessment of laryngeal configuration, auditory-perceptual assessment of voice quality, acoustic analyses, and self-assessment of phonation effort were assessed after TENS. Sixty participants participants were randomized into two experimental groups: (1) subjects receiving TENS (EG1), (2) subjects receiving TENS plus tongue trills (EG2). The control group was composed of 15 subjects of EG1 and 15 subjects of EG2. The TENS condition involved electrostimulation for 20 minutes. Audio and video perceptual assessments were performed by three speech therapists with expertise in voice; all were blinded to the experimental conditions. The acoustic parameters included were fundamental frequency, jitter, and shimmer during sustained phonation. Subjects also reported the degree of vocal effort before and after TENS. RESULTS: TENS applied alone or combined with tongue trills aided in glottal closure and in improved comfort during phonation. When the TENS was administered with tongue trills, roughness of voice quality improved. CONCLUSION: TENS applied alone or combined with tongue trills was associated with improved glottal closure and phonation comfort. TENS associated with tongue trills yielded improved voice quality.

Effect of application of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and laryngeal manual therapy in dysphonic women: clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effect of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and of Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT) and to compare the two techniques in relation to vocal/laryngeal symptoms, pain, and vocal quality after these resources were administered in dysphonic women. STUDY DESIGN: Control trial. METHOD: A total of 20 women with bilateral vocal nodules participated. All of the volunteers underwent investigation of vocal/laryngeal symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and vocal register. The volunteers were subdivided into: 1. TENS Group (10 volunteers)-TENS application; 2. LMT Group (10 volunteers)-LMT application; both groups received 12 sessions of treatment, twice a week, lasting 20 minutes each. After treatment, the initial assessments were repeated. Data were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon and signal test (P < 0.05). RESULTS: After TENS, there was significant improvement in the "high pitched voice" and "effort to speak" symptoms; there was significantly lower frequency of pain in the posterior neck and shoulder; TENS significantly reduced the intensity of pain in the posterior neck, shoulder, and upper back. The auditory perceptual analysis showed improvement only in the strain parameter after TENS. After LMT, there was improvement of the "sore throat," significantly lower incidence of pain in the anterior neck, and the pain intensity in the posterior neck decreased. CONCLUSION: When compared with the LMT, TENS appeared to be a treatment method intended to be used as a complement to voice therapy, considering the parameters evaluated and controlled.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in dysphonic women.

BACKGROUND: studies indicate correlation between dysphonia and muscle tension. AIM: to evaluate bilaterally the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles (SH), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and trapezius (T), the presence of pain and the voice, after applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). METHOD: ten (10) women with nodules or bilateral mucus thickening, and phonation fissure. Volunteers were submitted to 10 TENS sessions (200 micros and 10 Hz) for 30 minutes. Pain was evaluated using an analogical visual scale; the voice was evaluated through laryngoscopy and through a perceptive-auditory and acoustic analysis; and the myoelectric signal was converted using the Root Media Square (RMS). Voice and EMG data gathering was performed during the production of the E/vowel and during spontaneous speech (SS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Shapiro-Wilk Test followed by the Wilcoxon Test, or t Student, or Friedman Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: It was observed that the TENS decreased the RMS readings, pre and pos treatment, for the Right T (RT) (2.80 +/- 1.36 to 1.77 +/- 0.93), the Left T (LT) (3.62 +/- 2.10 to 2.10 +/- 1.06), the Left SCM (LSCM) (2.64 +/- 0.69 to 1.94 +/- 0.95), and the SH (11.59 +/- 7.72 to 7.82 +/- 5.95) during the production of the E/vowel; and for the RT (3.56 +/- 2.77 to 1.93 +/- 1.13), the LT (4.68 +/- 2.56 to 3.09 +/- 2.31), the Right SCM (RSCM) (3.94 +/- 2.04 to 2.51 +/- 1.87), and the LSCM (3.54 +/- 1.04 to 3.12 +/- 3.00) during SS. A relieve in pain was also observed. Regarding the voice analysis, there was a decrease in level of laryngeal injuries; no difference was observed during the production of the E/vowel in the perceptive-auditory analysis; there was a decrease in the level of dysphonia and hoarseness during SS. CONCLUSION: TENS is effective in improving the clinical and functional signs of dysphonic women.

Estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea em mulheres disfônicas / Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in dysphonic women

TEMA: estudos mostram correlação entre disfonia e tensão muscular. OBJETIVO: avaliar a atividade elétrica dos músculos supra-hióideos (SH), esternocleidomastóideo (ECM) e trapézio (T) bilateralmente, a dor e a voz, após aplicação da estimulação elétrica nervosa transcutânea (TENS). MÉTODO: participaram dez mulheres com nódulos ou espessamento mucoso bilateral e fenda à fonação. As voluntárias receberam dez sessões de TENS (200µs e 10Hz) por 30 minutos. A dor foi avaliada pela escala visual analógica, a voz por meio de laringoscopia, análise perceptivo-auditiva e acústica e o sinal mioelétrico pela raiz quadrada da média (RMS). A coleta dos dados de voz e EMG deu-se por emissão da vogal /E/ e fala espontânea. A análise estatística constou do teste de Shapiro-Wilk, seguido do teste de Wilcoxon ou t Student ou de Friedman (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: observou-se que a TENS diminuiu o RMS, pré e pós-tratamento, para TD (2,80 ± 1,36 para 1,77 ± 0,93), TE (3,62 ± 2,10 para 2,10 ± 1,06), ECME (2,64 ± 0,69 para 1,94 ± 0,95) e SH (11,59 ± 7,72 para 7,82 ± 5,95) durante a emissão da vogal /E/, e TD (3,56 ± 2,77 para 1,93 ± 1,13), TE (4,68 ± 2,56 para 3,09 ± 2,31), ECMD (3,94 ± 2,04 para 2,51 ± 1,87) e ECME (3,54 ± 1,04 para 3,12 ± 3,00) durante a fala espontânea (FE), além da diminuição da dor. Quanto à voz, ocorreu diminuição do grau das lesões laríngeas e, na análise perceptivo-auditiva, não houve diferença durante a emissão da vogal /E/, porém durante a FE ocorreu diminuição do grau de disfonia e rouquidão. CONCLUSÃO: a TENS é eficaz na melhora do quadro clínico e funcional de mulheres disfônicas.

BACKGROUND: studies indicate correlation between dysphonia and muscle tension. AIM: to evaluate bilaterally the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles (SH), sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and trapezius (T), the presence of pain and the voice, after applying transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). METHOD: ten (10) women with nodules or bilateral mucus thickening, and phonation fissure. Volunteers were submitted to 10 TENS sessions (200µs and 10Hz) for 30 minutes. Pain was evaluated using an analogical visual scale; the voice was evaluated through laryngoscopy and through a perceptive-auditory and acoustic analysis; and the myoelectric signal was converted using the Root Media Square (RMS). Voice and EMG data gathering was performed during the production of the E/vowel and during spontaneous speech (SS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Shapiro-Wilk Test followed by the Wilcoxon Test, or t Student, or Friedman Test (p < 0.05). RESULTS: It was observed that the TENS decreased the RMS readings, pre and pos treatment, for the Right T (RT) (2.80 ± 1.36 to 1.77 ± 0.93), the Left T (LT) (3.62 ± 2.10 to 2.10 ± 1.06), the Left SCM (LSCM) (2.64 ± 0.69 to 1.94 ± 0.95), and the SH (11.59 ± 7.72 to 7.82 ± 5.95) during the production of the E/vowel; and for the RT (3.56 ± 2.77 to 1.93 ± 1.13), the LT (4.68 ± 2.56 to 3.09 ± 2.31), the Right SCM (RSCM) (3.94 ± 2.04 to 2.51 ± 1.87), and the LSCM (3.54 ± 1.04 to 3.12 ± 3.00) during SS. A relieve in pain was also observed. Regarding the voice analysis, there was a decrease in level of laryngeal injuries; no difference was observed during the production of the E/vowel in the perceptive-auditory analysis; there was a decrease in the level of dysphonia and hoarseness during SS. CONCLUSION: TENS is effective in improving the clinical and functional signs of dysphonic women.