McHenry, M.A. (1997). The effect of increased vocal effort on estimated
velopharyngeal orifice area. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology,
6,55-61.
Type
of
Study |
Research
study |
| Subjects |
22
males, 6 females; ages 13-40; 3-173 months post-onset |
| Diagnoses |
Severe
TBI |
Speech
Condition |
Velopharyngeal
incompetence |
| Purpose |
To
determine if people with TBI can compensate for velopharyngeal
deficits by increasing vocal effort. |
| Methods |
Velopharyngeal
airway resistance data was obtained with a pneumotachograph
and pressure transducer.
Trials included quiet and deep breathing, and sustained
/m/ and /ma/ syllable trains at 3 levels of loudness. |
| Results |
25/28
subjects had improved velopharyngeal orifice area with
increased vocal effort.
The results for the 3 subjects who did not improve were
difficult to explain.
Gender differences may be explained by differences in
sample sizes and other factors. |
Treatment
Implications |
Increasing
vocal effort should be considered as a method of improving
velopharyngeal function.
Programs such as the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment program
may facilitate increased loudness thereby improving velopharyngeal
function. |
| |
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