A Conceptual Framework and Treatment Taxonomy for Respiratory Lung Volume Training (RLVT).

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the theoretical and procedural framework of a novel intervention, Respiratory Lung Volume Training (RLVT), and to implement a standardized treatment taxonomy to operationalize the RLVT treatment paradigm.

Study Design: This study involved a prospective design with a consensus treatment classification process.

Methods: The RLVT paradigm was developed based on biomechanical constructs governing the interactions of the respiratory and phonatory systems in voice production and principles of motor learning theory.

Clinical Features of Essential Voice Tremor and Associations with Tremor Severity and Response to Octanoic Acid Treatment.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to characterize the clinical features, tremor variability, and factors related to octanoic acid (OA) treatment response in essential voice tremor (EVT).

Study Design: Prospective, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with secondary analysis.

Methods: Clinical tremor features in 16 individuals with EVT were comprehensively assessed, and correlations with acoustic tremor severity were determined.

Isolated and Combined Respiratory Training for Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Preliminary Findings.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of altering speech breathing patterns and dysphonia severity through training increased levels of lung volume use during speech. It was hypothesized that respiratory-based training would increase lung volume levels during speech as well as improve acoustic voice measures, and that the addition of laryngeal-based treatment would further improve voice acoustics by treatment completion.

Method: A multiple baseline, single subject design was replicated over six participants with primary muscle tension dysphonia as a preliminary investigation of novel respiratory treatment methods.

Assessment of Tongue Position and Laryngeal Height in Two Professional Voice Populations.

Purpose To advance our current knowledge of singer physiology by using ultrasonography in combination with acoustic measures to compare physiological differences between musical theater (MT) and opera (OP) singers under controlled phonation conditions. Primary objectives addressed in this study were (a) to determine if differences in hyolaryngeal and vocal fold contact dynamics occur between two professional voice populations (MT and OP) during singing tasks and (b) to determine if differences occur between MT and OP singers in oral configuration and associated acoustic resonance during singing tasks. Method Twenty-one singers (10 MT and 11 OP) were included.

The Effect of Octanoic Acid on Essential Voice Tremor: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Objectives/hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of octanoic acid on acoustic, perceptual, and functional aspects of essential voice tremor (EVT).

Study Design: Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.

Methods: Sixteen participants with a diagnosis of EVT were randomized to a 3-week dosing condition of octanoic acid or placebo, followed by a 2-week washout period and crossover to the other condition for an additional 3 weeks.