Efficacy of Modified Vocal Function Exercise for Vocal Fold Atrophy

Abstract

Vocal fold atrophy causes permanent dysphonia and remains a therapeutic challenge. The purpose of the present study was to assess the efficacy of modified vocal function exercise (VFE) for vocal fold atrophy. The study included 10 participants who received modified VFE for vocal fold atrophy: 5 patients with accompanying muscle tension dysphonia (MTD group), and 5 patients who were not complicated with muscle tension dysphonia (None group). Data from aerodynamic analysis (MPT, MFR), pitch range, lowest pitch, highest pitch, acoustic analysis (jitter, shimmer, HNR) and VHI-10 were collected, both at the initiation of the exercise program and again at its conclusion. In all patients, measurements for MPT, pitch range, jitter, shimmer, HNR, and VHI-10 were significantly improved after modified VFE. In the None group, measurements for pitch range, jitter, shimmer, HNR and VHI-10 were significantly improved after modified VFE. In the MTD group, only the measurements for jitter and HNR improved after modified VFE. Modified vocal function exercise is effective for vocal fold atrophy patients. However, in vocal fold atrophy patients with compensatory movement, obtaining efficacy from modified vocal function exercise may be difficult.