Voice Therapy Per the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System

Launched by MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · Nov 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help people with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a voice disorder that causes difficulty speaking due to tightness in the throat muscles. The researchers want to see if using a specific system called the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System - Voice Therapy (RTSS-Voice) can help doctors provide better voice therapy for their patients. They will compare the progress of patients treated in the first year of using this system with those treated in the second year to see if there are any improvements in their voice quality and overall outcomes.

To participate in this trial, individuals must have a diagnosis of primary muscle tension dysphonia, which includes various types of voice issues like functional aphonia or vocal fry. However, those with other serious voice problems or who do not speak English will not be eligible. Participants can expect to receive voice therapy as part of their treatment while contributing to the understanding of how this new system can improve therapy outcomes for people with MTD. The trial is not yet recruiting, so interested individuals should stay tuned for more information on how to join once it begins.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia (pMTD)
• • Patients with pMTD will be included regardless of subtype (e.g., functional aphonia, vocal fry, ventricular dysphonia) and they can have secondary diagnoses of reflux.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients diagnosed with pMTD will be excluded if they have secondary diagnoses related to structural, neurological, or respiratory disorders such as laryngitis, obvious vocal fold nodules, polyps, cyst, granuloma, sulci, paradoxical vocal fold motion, chronic cough, confirmed or possible upper airway paralysis/paresis, dysphagia, polypoid corditis, keratosis, presbylarynx, leukoplakia, or history of radiation to the head/neck. Patients with pMTD will be included regardless of subtype (e.g., functional aphonia, vocal fry, ventricular dysphonia) and they can have secondary diagnoses of reflux.
• • Non-English speakers. The RTSS-Voice's standard and operationalized categories are in English.