Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT): Immediate Effects in Women With Dysphonia

Author(s)

Macedo Conde, Mariana de Casisa ^[1] ; Donalonso Siqueira, Larissa Thais ^[2] ; Vendramini, Jose Eduardo ^[1] ; Brasolotto, Alcione Ghedini ^[3] ; de Jesus Guirro, Rinaldo Roberto ^[4] ; Alves Silverio, Kelly Cristina ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Sao Paulo, FOB, Dept Bauru Sch Dent, Al Dr Octavio Pinheiro Brisolla 9-75, BR-17012901 Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[2] State Univ Cent West, UNICENTRO, Speech Language Pathol & Audiol Dept, Irati, Parana - Brazil

^[3] Univ Sao Paulo, FOB, Bauru Sch Dent, Speech Language Pathol & Audiol Dept, Bauru, SP - Brazil

^[4] Univ Sao Paulo, FMRP, Med Sch Ribeirao Preto, Physiotherapy, Ribeirao Preto, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF VOICE; v. 32, n. 3 MAY 2018.
• Web of Science Citations: 1

Abstract

Purpose. This study aimed to verify the immediate effect of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and laryngeal manual therapy (LMT) in musculoskeletal pain, voice quality, and self reported signs in women with dysphonia, Method. Thirty women with behavioral dysphonia were randomly divided into the TENS group and the LMT group. All participants fulfilled the pain survey and had their voices recorded to posterior perceptual and acoustic analysis before and after intervention. The TENS group received a unique low-frequency TENS session (20 minutes). The LMT group received LMT (20 minutes) with soft and superficial massage in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, suprahyoid muscles, and larynx. Afterward, the volunteers reported their voice, larynx, breathing, and articulatory signs. Pre and post data were compared by parametric and nonparametric tests. Results. After TENS, a decrease in pain intensity in the posterior or anterior region of the neck, shoulders, upper or lower back, and masseter was observed. After LMT, a decrease in pain intensity in the neck anterior region, shoulders, lower hack, and temporal region was observed. Also, after TENS, there was an improvement in vowel /a/ instability; after LMT, there was a general improvement in voice quality, decrease in tension, and decrease in breathiness in speech, Positive voice and laryngeal signs were reported after TENS, and positive laryngeal signs and articulation were reported after LMT, Conclusion. TENS and LMT may be used in voice treatment of women with behavioral dysphonia, and both may be considered important: therapy resources that reduce musculoskeletal pain and cause positive laryngeal signs. Both TENS and LMT are able to partially improve voice quality, but TENS presented better results. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/20557-0 - Comparison of Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and Laryngeal Manual Therapy in women with muscle tension dysphonia
• Grantee: Mariana de Cássia Macedo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation