Do audio-visual materials improve voice therapy outcomes in adults?
Research type
Research Study
Full title
In adults with clinical voice disorders, does the medium of delivering voice therapy exercises affect practice adherence and treatment outcomes: a comparison of audio-visual versus written exercises?
IRAS ID
126145
Contact name
Mary Lee
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
City University
Research summary
In the UK, patients with non-cancerous voice disorders are referred for voice therapy with a speech and language therapist (SLT). Voice therapy is a form of behaviour change intervention. Research shows that voice therapy is effective at decreasing voice problems however success depends on patients attending sessions, practising exercises and self-monitoring behaviour. There are issues with high therapy dropout rates and poor adherence with exercise practice. Poor adherence has economic and psychosocial implications as patients’ voices may not significantly improve leading to an increased number of therapy sessions or taking prolonged sick leave.
Voice therapy instructions are usually delivered in written format. With the rapid growth of new media (e.g. smart phones) patients are asking for audio-visual materials. A recent study in America (van Leer & Connor, 2012) has shown that audio-visual materials improve patients’ adherence to voice therapy exercises. However, no research has occurred with UK patients and there is no research into whether adherence affects voice treatment outcomes. This study will investigate whether audio-visual materials improve adherence to practice compared with written instructions, and whether adherence to practice affects voice outcomes. A quantitative randomized control study is proposed. Participants will be recruited from individuals referred for voice therapy by an Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant at St George’s Hospital, London. Participants will undertake perceptual, acoustic and quality of life assessments before a standard block of therapy, which will be delivered by an SLT. Patients randomized into the control group will receive written exercises during therapy; participants in the experimental group will receive video exercises. Participants will repeat the assessments six weeks after starting therapy. The group results will be compared to examine whether participants’ self-estimated practice adherence and treatment outcomes differ significantly between the two groups.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0725
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion