Trial Outcomes & Findings for Voice Therapy With a Semi-occluded Vocal Tract (NCT NCT06137131)

NCT ID: NCT06137131

Last Updated: 2024-10-30

Results Overview

Laryngeal function determined with the Voice-Vibratory Assessment with Laryngeal Imaging (VALI) rating form (Poburka et al., 2017). Amplitude of vibration: magnitude of lateral movement of the vocal folds. This is a visual-perceptual evaluation based on the video samples of the strobovideolaryngoscopy. Raters score the magnitude of lateral movement of the vocal folds based on the graphic of the VALI form ranging from 0 to 10, this number is then multiplied by 10 to obtain a percentage. Lower percentages mean a smaller amplitude of vibration, higher percentages mean a larger amplitude of vibration.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

NA

Target enrollment

58 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

baseline (before the intervention)

Results posted on

2024-10-30

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Overall Study
STARTED
15
15
14
14
Overall Study
COMPLETED
14
13
13
12
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
1
2
1
2

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=15 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=15 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=14 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=14 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Total
n=58 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=58 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
15 Participants
n=15 Participants
15 Participants
n=15 Participants
14 Participants
n=14 Participants
14 Participants
n=14 Participants
58 Participants
n=58 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=58 Participants
Age, Continuous
18.7 years
n=15 Participants
18.7 years
n=15 Participants
18.7 years
n=14 Participants
18.7 years
n=14 Participants
18.7 years
n=58 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
15 Participants
n=15 Participants
15 Participants
n=15 Participants
14 Participants
n=14 Participants
14 Participants
n=14 Participants
58 Participants
n=58 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=58 Participants
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
0 Participants
Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.
Region of Enrollment
Belgium
15 Participants
n=15 Participants
15 Participants
n=15 Participants
14 Participants
n=14 Participants
14 Participants
n=14 Participants
58 Participants
n=58 Participants
smoking
1 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
0 Participants
n=14 Participants
1 Participants
n=58 Participants
organic vocal fold pathology
0 Participants
n=15 Participants
1 Participants
n=15 Participants
1 Participants
n=14 Participants
1 Participants
n=14 Participants
3 Participants
n=58 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention)

Laryngeal function determined with the Voice-Vibratory Assessment with Laryngeal Imaging (VALI) rating form (Poburka et al., 2017). Amplitude of vibration: magnitude of lateral movement of the vocal folds. This is a visual-perceptual evaluation based on the video samples of the strobovideolaryngoscopy. Raters score the magnitude of lateral movement of the vocal folds based on the graphic of the VALI form ranging from 0 to 10, this number is then multiplied by 10 to obtain a percentage. Lower percentages mean a smaller amplitude of vibration, higher percentages mean a larger amplitude of vibration.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=14 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=13 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=13 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=12 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
(Supra)Glottic Activity: Amplitude of Vibration
SOVT phonation
37.7 percentage
Interval 33.6 to 41.7
32.5 percentage
Interval 28.0 to 37.0
28.8 percentage
Interval 24.5 to 33.2
37.1 percentage
Interval 32.6 to 41.6
(Supra)Glottic Activity: Amplitude of Vibration
habitual phonation
36.7 percentage
Interval 32.6 to 40.7
39.6 percentage
Interval 35.1 to 44.1
40.0 percentage
Interval 35.6 to 44.4
34.6 percentage
Interval 30.1 to 39.1

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention)

Laryngeal function determined with the VALI form (Poburka et al, 2017). Anteroposterior supraglottic compression: constriction of the supraglottic structures in the anteroposterior dimension. This is a visual-perceptual evaluation based on the video samples of the strobovideolaryngoscopy. Raters score the supraglottic compression based on the graphic of the VALI form on a scale ranging from 0 to 5 (with the aid of concentric circles). The higher the number, the more supraglottic compression. More supraglottic compression is often seen as a negative outcome, however it might be a beneficial effect seen in SOVT phonation studied here.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=14 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=13 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=13 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=12 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Supraglottic Activity: Anteroposterior Compression
SOVT phonation
2.6 units on a scale
Interval 1.9 to 3.3
2.3 units on a scale
Interval 1.4 to 3.1
2.9 units on a scale
Interval 2.1 to 3.7
1.3 units on a scale
Interval 0.4 to 2.1
Supraglottic Activity: Anteroposterior Compression
habitual phonation
1.2 units on a scale
Interval 0.5 to 1.9
1.0 units on a scale
Interval 0.2 to 1.8
1.4 units on a scale
Interval 0.7 to 2.2
1.4 units on a scale
Interval 0.7 to 2.3

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention), 1 month (immediately after the intervention), 1 month follow-up, 3 months follow-up

DSI: A higher index indicates a better voice quality. The index ranges from -5 to +5 for severely dysphonic to normal voices. A more negative index indicates a worse voice quality. Values \> +5 are possible in subjects with excellent vocal capacities. A DSI = +1.6 is the threshold separating normophonic from dysphonic persons.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Voice Quality Index 1: Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI)
Baseline
1.0 score on a scale
Interval -0.3 to 2.2
1.3 score on a scale
Interval 0.0 to 2.5
0.7 score on a scale
Interval -2.5 to 2.0
1.0 score on a scale
Interval -0.3 to 2.2
Voice Quality Index 1: Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI)
1 month (immediately after the intervention)
1.7 score on a scale
Interval 0.4 to 3.0
1.2 score on a scale
Interval -0.3 to 2.4
0.9 score on a scale
Interval -0.3 to 2.2
0.9 score on a scale
Interval -0.4 to 2.2
Voice Quality Index 1: Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI)
1 month follow-up
2.4 score on a scale
Interval 1.1 to 3.6
3.0 score on a scale
Interval 1.7 to 4.4
2.3 score on a scale
Interval 1.0 to 3.5
1.3 score on a scale
Interval 0.1 to 2.6
Voice Quality Index 1: Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI)
3 months follow-up
2.3 score on a scale
Interval 1.1 to 3.6
2.5 score on a scale
Interval 1.2 to 3.9
1.9 score on a scale
Interval 0.7 to 3.2
1.5 score on a scale
Interval 0.1 to 2.9

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention), 1 month (immediately after the intervention), 1 month follow-up, 3 months follow-up

A lower AVQI indicates a better voice quality. The index ranges from 0 to 10 for normal to severely dysphonic voices. An AVQI of 2.95 is the threshold separating normophonic from dysphonic persons.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Voice Quality Index 2: Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI)
baseline
3.63 score on a scale
Interval 3.07 to 4.2
3.69 score on a scale
Interval 3.12 to 4.25
4.12 score on a scale
Interval 3.56 to 4.69
3.70 score on a scale
Interval 3.14 to 4.27
Voice Quality Index 2: Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI)
1 month
3.86 score on a scale
Interval 3.3 to 4.43
3.12 score on a scale
Interval 2.56 to 3.69
3.73 score on a scale
Interval 3.17 to 4.3
3.41 score on a scale
Interval 2.84 to 3.97
Voice Quality Index 2: Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI)
1 month follow-up
3.64 score on a scale
Interval 3.08 to 4.21
3.22 score on a scale
Interval 2.63 to 3.8
3.74 score on a scale
Interval 3.17 to 4.3
3.57 score on a scale
Interval 2.99 to 4.16
Voice Quality Index 2: Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI)
3 months follow-up
3.84 score on a scale
Interval 3.27 to 4.4
3.22 score on a scale
Interval 2.64 to 3.81
3.86 score on a scale
Interval 3.29 to 4.42
3.15 score on a scale
Interval 2.53 to 3.76

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention), 1 month (immediately after the intervention), 1 month follow-up, 3 months follow-up

VHI: A lower index indicates less impact of the voice impairment on the quality of life. The VHI ranges from 0 to 120.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Self-report 1: Voice Handicap Index (VHI)
baseline
9 score on a scale
Interval 1.0 to 17.0
12 score on a scale
Interval 4.0 to 20.0
19 score on a scale
Interval 11.0 to 27.0
13 score on a scale
Interval 5.0 to 20.0
Self-report 1: Voice Handicap Index (VHI)
1 month
7 score on a scale
Interval 0.0 to 15.0
12 score on a scale
Interval 4.0 to 20.0
17 score on a scale
Interval 9.0 to 24.0
13 score on a scale
Interval 5.0 to 21.0
Self-report 1: Voice Handicap Index (VHI)
1 month follow-up
9 score on a scale
Interval 1.0 to 16.0
11 score on a scale
Interval 3.0 to 19.0
18 score on a scale
Interval 10.0 to 25.0
9 score on a scale
Interval 1.0 to 17.0
Self-report 1: Voice Handicap Index (VHI)
3 months follow-up
11 score on a scale
Interval 3.0 to 19.0
16 score on a scale
Interval 8.0 to 24.0
18 score on a scale
Interval 10.0 to 25.0
11 score on a scale
Interval 3.0 to 19.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention), 1 month (immediately after the intervention), 1 month follow-up, 3 months follow-up

VTDS: A lower index indicates less discomfort in the vocal tract. The index ranges from 0 to 96.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Self-report 2: Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS)
baseline
16 score on a scale
Interval 7.0 to 25.0
21 score on a scale
Interval 12.0 to 30.0
25 score on a scale
Interval 16.0 to 34.0
16 score on a scale
Interval 6.0 to 25.0
Self-report 2: Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS)
1 month
13 score on a scale
Interval 4.0 to 22.0
19 score on a scale
Interval 10.0 to 28.0
21 score on a scale
Interval 12.0 to 30.0
16 score on a scale
Interval 7.0 to 25.0
Self-report 2: Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS)
1 month follow-up
13 score on a scale
Interval 3.0 to 22.0
16 score on a scale
Interval 7.0 to 25.0
19 score on a scale
Interval 10.0 to 28.0
21 score on a scale
Interval 12.0 to 30.0
Self-report 2: Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS)
3 months follow-up
13 score on a scale
Interval 4.0 to 22.0
18 score on a scale
Interval 9.0 to 27.0
20 score on a scale
Interval 11.0 to 29.0
12 score on a scale
Interval 2.0 to 21.0

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: baseline (before the intervention), 1 month (immediately after the intervention), 1 month follow-up, 3 months follow-up

VFI: A lower index indicates less vocal fatigue. The index ranges from 0 to 76.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Straw Phonation in Air
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw in air with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. Straw phonation in air: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in air
Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 2 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel through a stirring straw, placed 5 cm below the water surface, with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset. straw phonation in water: Phonation (/u/ vowel) through a stirring straw (3 mm diameter, 20cm length) in 2 cm or 5 cm water
/u/ Control Condition
n=8 Participants
Participants will be asked to phonate an /u/ vowel with slightly pursed lips and a soft voice onset but without a straw. /u/ phonation: /u/ phonation without a straw, control condition
Self-report 3: Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI)
3 months follow-up
13 score on a scale
Interval 7.0 to 19.0
17 score on a scale
Interval 11.0 to 23.0
19 score on a scale
Interval 13.0 to 25.0
15 score on a scale
Interval 9.0 to 22.0
Self-report 3: Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI)
baseline
14 score on a scale
Interval 8.0 to 20.0
20 score on a scale
Interval 14.0 to 26.0
19 score on a scale
Interval 13.0 to 25.0
15 score on a scale
Interval 9.0 to 21.0
Self-report 3: Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI)
1 month
11 score on a scale
Interval 5.0 to 17.0
14 score on a scale
Interval 8.0 to 20.0
16 score on a scale
Interval 10.0 to 22.0
15 score on a scale
Interval 9.0 to 21.0
Self-report 3: Vocal Fatigue Index (VFI)
1 month follow-up
11 score on a scale
Interval 5.0 to 16.0
12 score on a scale
Interval 6.0 to 18.0
17 score on a scale
Interval 11.0 to 23.0
14 score on a scale
Interval 8.0 to 20.0

Adverse Events

Straw Phonation in Air

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Straw Phonation in 2 cm Water

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Straw Phonation in 5 cm Water

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

/u/ Control Condition

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 0 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Additional Information

Dr. Iris Meerschman

Ghent University

Phone: +32499294636

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place