| Abstract | Objective: The Complete Vocal Technique (CVT) is a structured, pedagogic method which helps healthy singers and other performers optimize their vocal function enabling them to produce any vocal sound they require. The aim of this feasibility study was to investigate whether CVT voice therapy (CVT-VT) administered by a trained, non-clinical CVT practitioner (CVT-P) could: 1) improve the voice and vocal function in patients with Muscle Tension Dysphonia MTD and 2) is acceptable to patients.
Methods: Fifteen consecutive patients with primary MTD (types I–III) were recruited over a 6-month period with eleven completing the pre-and post-treatment assessments of the full study protocol and included in the analysis. Each patient was offered up to 6 video sessions of CVT-VT using a video link. A multidimensional assessment using both self-reported questionnaires (Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and Vocal tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS)), patient rating scales to assess acceptability and achievement of treatment goals, auditory-perceptual rating scales (Modified CAPE-V), Maximum Phonation Time (MPT) and Multidimensonal Voice Profile (Laryngograph) measures of acoustic and EGG recordings of sustained vowels and a read text pre-and post-treatment were made.
Results: VHI scores (mean 64.3 SD 22.8 vs 34.1 SD 28.0, p=0.00174, Cohen d: 1.6), Total VTDS (mean 41.2 SD 15.0 vs 24.9 SD 19.1, p=0.0093, Cohen d: 0.9), CAPE-V Overall severity (Median 14.75 IQR 34 vs 12.5 IQR 4.25 p=0.013, r=0.735, all showed significant improvement. MPT showed no significant change (mean 13.5 SD 6.1 vs 13.9 SD 8.4, p=0.34, Cohen d: 0.1). Overall 89.9% of symptoms of the patients’ improved or resolved with 10.1% remaining unchanged. MDVP measures on sustained vowels and on a read text showed improvement. All patients found the treatment delivered by the non-clinical CVT practitioner acceptable.
Conclusions: The results indicate that it is feasible for a highly trained non-clinical CVT practitioner to improve the voice and vocal function in patients with primary types I–III MTD and this delivery of therapy is acceptable to patients.
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