Usability of Vibro-tactile Stimulation to Treat Spasmodic Dysphonia
Study Details
Study Description
Brief Summary
The general aim of the study is to provide evidence for usability and feasibility of applying vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) at home as a non-invasive form of neuromodulation to improve speech in people with spasmodic dysphonia (SD). This work addresses a clinical need to develop alternative or auxiliary treatments for a rare voice disorder with very limited treatment options. Successful completion of the proposed work will be an important step in advancing laryngeal VTS as a therapeutic intervention for improving voice symptoms in SD.
| Condition or Disease | Intervention/Treatment | Phase |
|---|---|---|
|
Phase 1/Phase 2 |
Study Design
Arms and Interventions
| Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
|---|---|
| Experimental: Intervention Will use the device, single group |
Device: Vibro-tactile stimulation
Vibro-tactile stimulation is a non-invasive treatment option. As stimulators, we will apply a pair of light-weight encapsulated cylindrical vibrators to both sides of the larynx (voice box). The vibration frequency for VTS will set be to 100Hz and the participant may feel a mild tingling or vibrating sensation during VTS. The participants will be asked to apply for VTS at home over a period of 8 weeks. The participants will be asked to use this device for 3 days in the first week, 4 days in the second week, 5 days in the third week and 6 days in the fourth week. During the last 4 weeks, the participants will apply VTS on self-selected days as needed, not exceeding 6 times a week, to control and improve symptoms.
|
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcome Measures
- Perceived voice effort [8 weeks]
Participants will rate their perceived effort level of vocalization on an ordinal scale of 0 to 10 (0 being with no effort and 10 being with maximal effort). The recordings will provide subjective impression of treatment.
Secondary Outcome Measures
- The number of voice breaks [8 weeks]
Prior to study begin, participants will receive a manual with instructions about the remote audio recording procedure. During pre- and post-application assessment, participants will record their voices using a voice recording application on their smartphone or digital tablet. The recordings will provide objective data on the number of voice breaks.
- The duration of voice break [8 weeks]
Prior to study begin, participants will receive a manual with instructions about the remote audio recording procedure. During pre- and post-application assessment, participants will record their voices using a voice recording application on their smartphone or digital tablet. The recordings will provide objective data on the duration of voice breaks.
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
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Diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia (laryngeal dystonia) for a minimum of 6 months with documented symptom relief after Botox injection.
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Diagnosis is made by a voice disorder specialist.
Exclusion Criteria:
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Regular intake of benzodiazepines
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Cognitive impairment: score < 27 on Mini-mental state examination
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Identifies with a neurological or musculoskeletal impairment affecting speech motor function. These impairments may include a form of: Dyskinesia, Dystonia, Essential Tremor, Huntington's Disease, Multiple System Atrophy, Muscle Tension Dysphonia, Parkinsonism, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, Spasticity, Intracranial Neoplasm (brain tumor), Spinal Neoplasm, Cerebrovascular Accident (Stroke), Mild Traumatic Brain Injury, Intracranial Hemorrhage, Multiple Sclerosis
Contacts and Locations
Locations
| Site | City | State | Country | Postal Code | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis | Minnesota | United States | 55414 |
Sponsors and Collaborators
- University of Minnesota
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Juergen Konczak, University of Minnesota
Study Documents (Full-Text)
None provided.More Information
Publications
None provided.- STUDY00019659