CompletedNot Applicable

Complete Vocal Technique Voice Therapy for Muscle Tension Dysphonia (CVT4MTD)

United Kingdom14 participantsStarted 2022-05-05

Plain-language summary

This proof-of-concept study is designed to evaluate whether a pedagogic technique used to help performers, known as the Complete Vocal Technique (CVT), can be used to help patients with a type of voice disorder known as Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD). MTD is responsible for up to 40% of patients presenting with voice and throat complaints. MTD is due to inefficient or ineffective voice production resulting from an imbalance in the control of the breathing mechanism, and uncontrolled constriction of the muscles in the larynx (voice box) or vocal tract (throat space above the vocal cords). Standard treatment is Voice Therapy delivered by a specialist Speech Therapist (SLT-V) often using a video link (telepractice aka telehealth). CVT is widely used in Europe by singers and vocal coaches. Practitioners (CVT- Ps) undergo a three-year accredited training programme, and the systematic and structured approach helps healthy singers and other performers optimise the function of the voice to produce any sound required. It also helps if the performer has vocal problems, which are also mainly due to uncontrolled throat constrictions. The purpose of this pilot study is to see if the CVT voice therapy approach (CVT-VT) can help, and offers advantages, to standard SLT-V methods in the treatment of patients with MTD. Ten adult patients will be recruited from the Voice clinic at Nottingham University Hospital. Participants will have a multidimensional assessment using questionnaires, and voice recordings and then receive up to 6 video sessions of CVT-VT delivered using a video link by a CVT-P. The participants will then be reviewed back in clinic at 8 weeks and be reassessed, using further questionnaires and analysis of the voice pre- and post-therapy recordings, to evaluate the outcome of this treatment approach. Qualitative methodology will determine whether CVT-VT offers any therapeutic advantages to existing SLT-VT treatment methods.

Who can participate

Age range18 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) based on history and laryngoscopic assessment (Type (I-III) MTD pattern) through joint assessment by a SLT-V and laryngologist * Current voice problems, persistent for greater than 2 months * Severity of disorder a) Voice Handicap Index (VHI) ≥ 30 and b) patient wants therapy * Patient willingness to undergo treatment * Consent to participate in study protocol Exclusion Criteria: * Organic vocal pathology 1) Structural/neoplastic disorders (e.g. carcinoma, cyst, polyp, papilloma, Reinke's oedema); 2) neurological disorders (e.g. vocal cord palsy, paresis, spasmodic dysphonia); 3) inflammation (e.g. infection, reflux (RFS \>7) or significant relevant systemic disease (e.g. severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or need for surgery * Significant psychological issues identified during initial assessment (with option to withdraw if discovered during the treatment periods and agreed by both patient and Therapist) * MTD pattern (IV-VI) compatible with significant primary psychological aetiology on laryngoscopy * Transgender voice issues * Previously incompletely treated dysphonia, neurological disease, or upper aerodigestive tract malignancy Had previous Voice Therapy (VT) or CVT training or pharmacological treatment for their voice problem - (other than proton pump inhibitors or an alginate recommended for disorders of laryngopharyngeal reflux-related symptoms) * A hearing impairment that …

What they're measuring

Voice Handicap Index (VHI)

Timeframe: Eight weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05365126

SponsorNottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-12-28