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Effectiveness of the method vocal therapy for elderly in the conventional and intensive approach

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Author(s):
Juliana Fernandes Godoy
Total Authors: 1
Document type: Doctoral Thesis
Press: Bauru.
Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB/SDB)
Defense date:
Examining board members:
Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto; Eliana Maria Gradim Fabron; Heitor Marques Honório; Lucia Figueiredo Mourão; Kelly Cristina Alves Silverio
Advisor: Alcione Ghedini Brasolotto
Abstract

The voice therapy is the initial treatment option in cases of vocal changes due to aging. There are few specifics intervention proposals for these cases and the assessments of its effects are limited. The treatment traditionally occurs at the frequency of once or twice a week, however some methods suggests an intensive approach, there is no clarity as to the best way for applying. Therefore, this study aims to verify the effects of the method Vocal Therapy for Elderlies (VTE) and whether there are differences between the treatment administration in the intensive and conventional format. Underwent the vocal therapy 27 elderly randomized into two groups, whereas the Intensive Group (IG) accomplished 16 sessions four times a week and the Conventional Group (CG) 16 sessions twice a week. For the comparison of the effects of therapy were evaluated aspects of quality of life through the voice-related quality of life (V-RQOL) protocol, vocal quality through the auditory perceptual and laryngeal through the visual perceptive analysis of the exams. The professional who administered the treatment was blind as to the assessment procedures, accomplished in the week before the beginning of the sessions in the week following the end of it and one month after. The VTE method involved exercises of various techniques with potential to improve the vocal aspects impacted by aging. Finished the treatment 25 elderly, 13 in IG and 12 of CG. The results showed improvement as the voice related quality of life and in relation to perceptual vocal quality, but not in the laryngeal aspects. After a month was maintained improvement in V-RQOL and general vocal quality, breathiness and instability during sustained vocal emissions and general vocal quality and roughness in speech. No differences were found between the intensive therapy and conventional except the vocal fold bowing that decreased in 38.46% of participants of the IG and in none of the CG. The conclusion of the study is that the VTE method brings the benefit of voice related quality of life and vocal quality, so that the improvement is observed immediately and a month after the treatment. In addition, the therapy in intensive format provides similar benefits to conventional therapy, but the intensive approach can bring more benefits in relation to the vocal fold bowing. The individual aspects of each patient must be considered at the choice moment of the frequency of the treatment. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/09325-0 - Impact of voice treatment in elderly patients with pesbyphonia
Grantee:Juliana Fernandes Godoy
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate