Authors: |
Gillivan-Murphy P, Drinnan MJ, O'Dwyer TP, Ridha H, Carding P |
|
Title: |
The effectiveness of a voice treatment approach for teachers with self-reported voice problems |
Source: |
Journal Of Voice 2006 20(3): 423-431 |
Year: |
2006 |
Research Design: |
Randomised Controlled Trial |
Rating Score: |
05/10 This rating is confirmed Eligibility specified - Y Random allocation - Y Concealed allocation - N Baseline comparability - Y Blind subjects - N Blind therapists - N Blind assessors - N Adequate follow-up - Y Intention-to-treat analysis - N Between-group comparisons - Y Point estimates and variability - Y |
Abstract: |
SUMMARY: Teachers are considered the professional group most at risk of developing voice-problems, but limited treatment effectiveness evidence exists. We studied prospectively the effectiveness of a 6-week combined treatment approach using vocal function exercises (VFEs) and vocal hygiene (VH) education with 20 teachers with self-reported voice problems. Twenty subjects were randomly assigned to a no-treatment control (n = 11) and a treatment group (n = 9). Fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation was carried out on all subjects before randomization. Two self-report voice outcome measures were used: the Voice-Related Quality of Life (VRQOL) and the Voice Symptom Severity Scale (VoiSS). A Voice Care Knowledge Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), developed specifically for the study, was also used to evaluate change in selected voice knowledge areas. A Student unpaired t test revealed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) improvement in the treatment group as measured by the VoiSS. There was not a significant improvement in the treatment group as measured by the V-RQOL. The difference in voice care knowledge areas was also significant for the treatment group (P < 0.05). This study suggests that a voice treatment approach of VFEs and VH education improved self-reported voice symptoms and voice care knowledge in a group of teachers. |
Access: |
Paywall |