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Usability of Vibro-tactile Stimulation to Treat Spasmodic Dysphonia
Sponsor: University of Minnesota
Summary
The general aim of the study was to provide evidence for the 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 (laryngeal dystonia). This work addresses a clinical need to develop alternative or auxiliary treatments for a rare voice disorder with limited treatment options.
Official title: Usability of Laryngeal Vibro-tactile Stimulation as a Non-invasive Treatment for the Voice Disorder Spasmodic Dysphonia
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 75 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
40
Start Date
2023-11-21
Completion Date
2024-10-31
Last Updated
2026-06-25
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Vibro-tactile stimulation
Participants received vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) as a non-invasive treatment option. Stimulators were a pair of light-weight encapsulated cylindrical vibrators applied to both sides of the larynx (voice box). The vibration frequency for VTS was set be to 100Hz. During VTS, participants feel a mild tingling or vibrating sensation at their larynx. They applied VTS at home over a period of 8 weeks with a daily dosage of 20 minutes. During weeks 1-4, the weekly dosage of VTS was gradually increased (week 1: 3 days/wk; week 2: 4 days/wk; week 3: 5 days/wk; week 4: 6 days/wk). During weeks 5-8, participants applied VTS on self-selected days as needed, not exceeding 6 times a week.
Locations (1)
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States