Treatment and Outcome Metrics for Speech-Language Pathology Treatment of Upper Airway Disorders: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Clinical treatment strategies and progress metrics for patients with inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) and exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) have not been systematically applied across clinics. The goals of this review were to identify the intervention strategies used to treat upper airway disorders and determine the clinical metrics by which improvement or resolution of ILO/EILO is determined in clinical studies of speech-language pathology intervention.

Method: A systematic review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Systematic Reviews Checklist.

First-Generation OTC Antihistamine Use and Voice Function in Individuals with Allergic Rhinitis: A Preliminary Report of Clinically Impactful Findings.

Purpose: The primary goal of this investigation was to characterize the effect of the first-generation, over-the-counter antihistamine Chlor-Trimeton on laryngeal structure and function in a previously unstudied population - individuals diagnosed with allergic rhinitis who routinely take over-the-counter antihistamines and deny the experience or diagnosis of voice disorder.

Study Design: Prospective within-participant multimodality repeated measures design.

Methods: Eight consented participants (seven females, one male) previously diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and without history of voice disorder who routinely took over-the-counter antihistamines completed the study.

Adult Normative Data for the OMNI-Vocal Effort Scale (VES).

Purpose: To establish normative values for the OMNI-Vocal Effort Scale (VES) in healthy adults without voice complaints. Secondary objective is to determine if there are differences in perceived vocal effort across age groups and between sexes.

Study Design: Prospective data collection across groups.

A Tutorial on Skeletal Muscle Metabolism and the Role of Blood Lactate: Implications for Speech Production.

Purpose: The purpose of this tutorial is threefold: (a) present relevant exercise science literature on skeletal muscle metabolism and synthesize the limited available research on metabolism of the adult human speech musculature in an effort to elucidate the role of metabolism in speech production; (b) introduce a well-studied metabolic serum biomarker in exercise science, lactate, and the potential usefulness of investigating this metabolite, through a well-established exercise science methodology, to better understand metabolism of the musculature involved in voice production; and (c) discuss exercise physiology considerations for future voice science research that seeks to investigate blood lactate and metabolism in voice physiology in an ecologically valid manner.

Method: This tutorial begins with relevant exercise science literature on the basic cellular processes of muscle contraction that require energy and the metabolic mechanisms that regenerate the energy required for task execution. The tutorial next synthesizes the available research investigating metabolism of the adult human speech musculature.

Evaluating Geographic Access to Interdisciplinary Laryngology and Speech-Language Pathology Clinic Models in the Southeast Region of the United States.

Objective: An interdisciplinary model of care for the evaluation and treatment of voice, swallowing, and upper airway disorders with laryngologists and specialized speech-language pathologists is known to increase revenue, attendance to visits, patient adherence, and most importantly, improve patient outcomes. Individuals who live outside of areas with high population density often have reduced geographic access to this specialized care. The primary aim of this study is to identify the percentage of the population that has an "extended drive time" to access an interdisciplinary clinic in the Southeast region of the United States.