The Effects of Adding Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in Voice Therapy

The Effects of Adding Expiratory Muscle Strength Training in Voice Therapy

Evaluate if adding expiratory muscle strength training to traditional voice therapy for individuals with dysphonia due to glottal insufficiency improves maximal expiratory pressure, acoustic and aerodynamic measures (i.e. amplitude, maximum phonation time, peak expiratory flow), and voice related quality of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Individuals with glottic insufficiency.
• Adequate cognition evidenced by score of 24 or higher on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) survey to determine if the subject has the mental capacity to participate in therapy
• Completed voice combination evaluation with speech pathologists and otolaryngologist.
• Individuals 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Adults unable to consent
• Non English or Spanish speakers
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners
• Individuals with significant uncontrolled chronic and progressive respiratory diseases including COPD, interstitial lung disease, and cystic fibrosis.
• Individuals with uncontrolled blood pressure.
• Individuals with significant GI disease and/or gastroesophageal surgery with the exception of well-controlled GERD.
• Individuals with a history of abdominal hernia.
• Individuals with difficulty complying due to neuropsychological dysfunction (e.g., severe depression, psychosis).
• Individuals with other neurological disorders and/or neuromuscular disease other than Parkinson's Disease