[The relationship between muscle tension dysphonia type 1 and soft phonation index and the effectiveness of voice therapy].
OBJECTIVE
We investigated the relationship between muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) type 1 and soft phonation index (SPI) and evaluated the effect of voice therapy on MTD type 1.


METHODS
The study included 20 patients (all females; mean age 27+/-6 years) whose diagnosis was made as MTD type 1 on videolaryngostroboscopic examination. Acoustic analysis was performed before and after voice therapy using the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program. Acoustic parameters were compared with those of a control group comprising 20 females (mean age 28+/-4 years) without any voice problem.


RESULTS
In the patient group, 19 patients exhibited a significantly increased SPI compared to two subjects in the control group (p<0.05). The most significant improvements were seen in SPI, jitter, and PPQ following voice therapy, which was found to be effective in 19 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings showed a close relationship between MTD type 1 and SPI. Voice therapy improves parameters of amplitude and frequency perturbations, in particular SPI.
Bengisu
Serkan
S
Freelance speech and language therapist, Istanbul, Turkey.
Topbaş
Seyhun
S
Koçak
Ismail
I
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D055154:Dysphonia / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009122:Muscle Hypertonia; D010699:Phonation; D013070:Speech Therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014831:Voice; D014834:Voice Training