Vocal Function Exercises for Normal Voice: The Effects of Varying Dosage

• Main Author: Bane, Maria H.
• Format: Others
• Published: UKnowledge 2016
• Subjects: voice disorders; compliancy; intensity; maximum phonation time; dose; Vocal Function Exercises; Communication Sciences and Disorders; Medicine and Health Sciences; Rehabilitation and Therapy; Speech Pathology and Audiology
• Online Access: http://uknowledge.uky.edu/commdisorders_etds/8; http://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&context=commdisorders_etds

The primary purpose of this investigation was to explore the effects of variable doses of home practice Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) on attainment of pre-established maximum phonation time (MPT) goals in individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 with normal voice. A secondary purpose was to monitor for potentially toxic effects of high doses of VFEs. Three experimental groups completed a six-week VFE protocol and practiced twice daily. The low dose group performed each exercise once, the traditional group twice, and the high dose group four times. Results indicated significant change in VFE MPT for all three groups and higher goal attainment in the high dose group. Low doses appear insufficient to produce substantial change in voice production. Acoustic MPT improved most in the traditional dosage group, which also exhibited best maintenance and best overall outcomes. No toxic effects in vocal fold condition or phonation were observed or measured secondary to high VFE exposure.