Cross-system effects of dysphagia treatment on dysphonia: a case report
2008

Improvement of Voice Function During Dysphagia Therapy

Sample size: 1 publication Evidence: low

Author Information

Author(s): Lisa A LaGorio, Giselle D Carnaby-Mann, Michael A Crary

Primary Institution: University of Florida

Hypothesis

Can dysphagia therapy improve vocal parameters in patients with dysphonia?

Conclusion

The study found that dysphagia therapy led to improvements in vocal function in a patient with dysphonia.

Supporting Evidence

  • Dysphagia therapy resulted in improved laryngeal function.
  • Significant increases in maximum phonation time and highest attainable pitch were observed.
  • Voice changes were noted as early as the first week of therapy.

Takeaway

A 74-year-old man got better at speaking after doing exercises to help him swallow better.

Methodology

The patient underwent a 15-day dysphagia therapy program with acoustic measurements taken before and after treatment.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to the lack of a control group and reliance on subjective measures.

Limitations

The findings are based on a single case report and may not be generalizable.

Participant Demographics

74-year-old white male with a history of head and neck cancer.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < .001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1757-1626-1-67

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