Telemedicine Versus Traditional Treatment of Muscle Tension Dysphonia
![]() |
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01419444 |
Recruitment Status
:
Completed
First Posted
: August 18, 2011
Last Update Posted
: December 18, 2013
|
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
The purpose of this research is to determine whether treatment of voice disorders can be provided just as effectively using telemedicine as it can using on-site, traditional therapy. An exercise protocol for improving airflow with voicing has been demonstrated to be effective in a prior UAMS investigation (Protocol 107454). These exercises are used as part of the normal clinic routine at UAMS working with individuals with voice problems. The three exercises used are: gargling with and without voicing; cup bubble blowing with and without voicing; and, stretch and flow exercises, which involves the use of a piece of tissue to provide visual biofeedback on the ability to use proper airflow with voicing. The purpose of the exercises is to increase airflow and breathiness in the voice and reduce muscle tension. In addition, patients will be taught to use a "confidential voice" or gentle voice during speaking.
The investigators voice patients come from all over the state and many cannot return for regular treatment. Developing a way to provide treatment to them closer to home could greatly improve quality of care and quality of life. Twenty participants will participate for 12 sessions each. All participants will be evaluated at UAMS before and after treatment as part of standard care and will, upon consent, be randomized to receive treatment via telemedicine at an AHEC site or at UAMS Medical Center. Homework will be provided along with log sheets. Results of airflow measures using an airflow-recording device (Viasys, KAY/PENTAX) pre- and post treatment will determine whether telemedicine results are equal to results of traditional, on-site treatment. The investigators hypothesize that results from treatment using telemedicine will be equivalent to results for onsite, traditional treatment.
Condition or disease | Intervention/treatment | Phase |
---|---|---|
Muscle Tension Dysphonia | Behavioral: Airflow Exercises for Voicing | Phase 1 Phase 2 |
Study Type : | Interventional (Clinical Trial) |
Actual Enrollment : | 14 participants |
Allocation: | Randomized |
Intervention Model: | Parallel Assignment |
Masking: | Single (Investigator) |
Primary Purpose: | Treatment |
Official Title: | Telemedicine Versus Traditional Treatment of Muscle Tension Dysphonia |
Study Start Date : | August 2011 |
Actual Primary Completion Date : | August 2013 |
Actual Study Completion Date : | August 2013 |

Arm | Intervention/treatment |
---|---|
Active Comparator: Traditional, Onsite Treatment
Onsite treatment using airflow exercises. Patients will receive face-to-face treatment with the research speech pathologist two times per week.
|
Behavioral: Airflow Exercises for Voicing
Gargling, Cup Bubble Blowing, and Stretch and Flow Exercises will be taught to reduce laryngeal closure and improve airflow through the glottis during voicing.
|
Experimental: Telemedicine Treatment
Participants will receive treatment via telemedicine at select AHEC sites around the state of Arkansas. Treatments will occur twice per week with the research speech pathologist.
|
Behavioral: Airflow Exercises for Voicing
Gargling, Cup Bubble Blowing, and Stretch and Flow Exercises will be taught to reduce laryngeal closure and improve airflow through the glottis during voicing.
|
- Mean Expiratory Airflow During Comfortable Phonation [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]Measured pre- and post in liters/second using Phonatory Aerodynamic System.
- Voicing Efficiency [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]Mean Airflow during voicing efficiency task, pa-pa-pa, using Phonatory Aerodynamic System. Measured in liters/second.
- Voice Handicap Index Questionnaire [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]Patient's perceived ratings of Voice Handicap on standardized, validated questionnaire.
- Consensus Auditory Perceptual Evaluation of Voice [ Time Frame: 6 weeks ]Overall perceptual rating of voice quality made by clinician on 100 point scale.

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
Ages Eligible for Study: | 21 Years and older (Adult, Senior) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
Inclusion Criteria:
- Primary or Secondary Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Exclusion Criteria:
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Spasmodic Dysphonia
- Tremor
- Respiratory Compromise
- Dysphagia

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT01419444
United States, Arkansas | |
UAMS Medical Center Voice and Swallowing Clinic | |
Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72205 |
Responsible Party: | University of Arkansas |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT01419444 History of Changes |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
CDHMTD2011 |
First Posted: | August 18, 2011 Key Record Dates |
Last Update Posted: | December 18, 2013 |
Last Verified: | December 2013 |
Keywords provided by University of Arkansas:
Voice Muscle Tension Dysphonia Hyperfunction Treatment |
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Dysphonia Hoarseness Voice Disorders Laryngeal Diseases Respiratory Tract Diseases Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases |
Neurologic Manifestations Nervous System Diseases Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory |