[Therapeutic effects of electrical stimulation therapy on vocal fold vibration irregularity].
BACKGROUND
Vocal fold vibration may be adversely affected by numerous conditions. We studied whether electrical stimulation can alleviate vocal fold vibration irregularity.


METHODS
A total of 90 patients with varying degrees of vocal fold vibration irregularity due to unilateral vocal fold paresis were recruited and received either electrical stimulation therapy or a voice exercise/behavioral treatment. Vocal fold vibration irregularity was calculated from a speech sample before and after therapy.


RESULTS
After 3 months, the increase in vibration stability was significantly greater for patients who received electrical stimulation therapy compared with patients who received traditional voice therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Voice control includes vocal fold vibration regularity. It appears that electrical stimulation therapy can be used effectively in patients with vocal fold paresis and concomitant loss of voice control.
Ptok
M
M
Klinik und Poliklinik für Phoniatrie und Pädaudiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 30625 Hannover. Ptok.Martin@mh-hannover.de
Strack
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012984:Software; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D014834:Voice Training