Date Available

4-18-2016

Year of Publication

2016

Degree Name

Master of Science in Communication Sciences & Disorders (MSCSD)

Document Type

Master's Thesis

College

Health Sciences

Department/School/Program

Communication Sciences & Disorders

First Advisor

Dr. Joseph Stemple

Abstract

The primary purpose of this investigation was to explore the effects of variable doses of home practice Vocal Function Exercises (VFEs) on attainment of pre-established maximum phonation time (MPT) goals in individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 with normal voice. A secondary purpose was to monitor for potentially toxic effects of high doses of VFEs. Three experimental groups completed a six-week VFE protocol and practiced twice daily. The low dose group performed each exercise once, the traditional group twice, and the high dose group four times. Results indicated significant change in VFE MPT for all three groups and higher goal attainment in the high dose group. Low doses appear insufficient to produce substantial change in voice production. Acoustic MPT improved most in the traditional dosage group, which also exhibited best maintenance and best overall outcomes. No toxic effects in vocal fold condition or phonation were observed or measured secondary to high VFE exposure.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2016.048

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