This article is a plea for the structural use of the 'space in the throat'concept in voice therapy and in singers training.
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People with voice problems can seek advice and therapy from a speech-language pathologist. Besides having problems with the speaking voice, a number of them are also amateur choristers. In addition to her standard examination, the speech-language pathologist has to specifically describe the use of the singing voice during choral singing and to assess the amount of mutual influence of speaking and singing voice. In therapy, a healthy phonation is learned. In today's practice, the therapist tends to confine herself to training the sepaking voice. It is known that pitch variation influences phonation. As pitch is a complicating factor in singing, the therapist could make the client aware of this influence by using exercises that alternate speaking and singing voice. Reference to and cooperation with singing teachers is essential. A network of speech-language pathologists 'with an ear for singers' and singing teachers should be built up.
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The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of visual feedback on rating voice quality severity level and the reliability of voice quality judgment by inexperienced listeners. For this purpose two training programs were created, each lasting 2 hours. In total 37 undergraduate speech–language therapy students participated in the study and were divided into a visual plus auditory-perceptual feedback group (V + AF), an auditory-perceptual feedback group (AF), and a control group with no feedback (NF). All listeners completed two rating sessions judging overall severity labeled as grade (G), roughness (R), and breathiness (B). The judged voice samples contained the concatenation of continuous speech and sustained phonation. No significant rater reliability changes were found in the pre- and posttest between the three groups in every GRB-parameter (all p > 0.05). There was a training effect seen in the significant improvement of rater reliability for roughness within the NF and AF groups (all p < 0.05), and for breathiness within the V + AF group (p < 0.01). The rating of the severity level of roughness changed significantly after the training in the AF and V + AF groups (p < 0.01), and the breathiness severity level changed significantly after the training in the V + AF group (p < 0.01). The training of V + AF and AF may only minimally influence the reliability in the judgment of voice quality but showed significant influence on rating the severity level of GRB parameters. Therefore, the use of both visual and auditory anchors while rating as well as longer training sessions may be required to draw a firm conclusion.
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The findings suggest that CVT may be used as therapy in ABI populations with promising results. Both patient self-assessment and objective voice measures demonstrate improved voice function. Given the longitudinal nature of recovery in ABI patients, more studies are needed to qualify at which stage(s) of recovery the CVT interventions are most effective and beneficial. Randomized controlled trials for specific patient populations of ABI are needed to assess the interventions' effectiveness in specific ABI diagnoses. Toegang tot het artikel middels aankoop via deze link: https://pubs.asha.org/doi/full/10.1044/2023_PERSP-23-00003
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OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of Vocal Tract Discomfort (VTD) in the Flemish population without self-perceived voice disorders using the VTD scale and to examine the relationship between vocal load and VTD symptoms. In addition, consistency between the VTD scale and the Voice Handicap Index (VHI) and the Corporal Pain scale was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 333 participants completed the VTD scale, the VHI, and the Corporal Pain scale. Patient information about study and voice-related hobbies (for students), state of (non)professional voice user (for employees), smoking, shouting, allergy, and voice therapy was taken into account. RESULTS: A median number of three VTD symptoms was reported, and 88% of the participants showed at least one symptom of VTD. Dryness (70%), tickling (62%), and lump in the throat (54%) were the most frequently occurring symptoms. The frequency and severity of VTD were significantly higher in participants who followed voice-related studies, played a team sport, were part of a youth movement, shouted frequently, and received voice therapy in the past (P < 0.05). Finally, low correlations were obtained between frequency and severity of the VTD scale and total VHI score (r = 0.226-0.411) or frequency and intensity of the Corporal Pain scale (r = 0.016-0.408). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of VTD is relatively high in the Flemish population without self-perceived voice disorders, although the frequency and severity of the symptoms are rather low. Vocal load seems to influence the frequency and severity of VTD. Finally, the VTD scale seems to reveal clinically important information that cannot be gathered from any other protocol.
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Stress is increasingly being recognized as one of the main factors that is negatively affecting our health, and therefore there is a need to regulate daily stress and prevent long-term stress. This need seems particularly important for adults with mild intellectual disabilities (MID) who have been shown to have more difficulties coping with stress than adults without intellectual disabilities. Hence, the development of music therapy interventions for stress reduction, particularly within populations where needs may be greater, is becoming increasingly important. In order to gain more insight into the practice-based knowledge on how music therapists lower stress levels of their patients with MID during music therapy sessions, we conducted focus group interviews with music therapists working with adults with MID (N = 13) from different countries and clinical institutions in Europe. Results provide an overview of the most-used interventions for stress reduction within and outside of music. Data-analysis resulted in the further specification of therapeutic goals, intervention techniques, the use of musical instruments, and related therapeutic change factors. The main findings indicate that music therapists used little to no receptive (e.g., music listening) interventions for stress reduction, but preferred to use active interventions, which were mainly based on musical improvisation. Results show that three therapy goals for stress relief could be distinguished. The goal of “synchronizing” can be seen as a sub goal because it often precedes working on the other two goals of “tension release” or “direct relaxation,” which can also be seen as two ways of reaching stress reduction in adults with MID through music therapy interventions. Furthermore, the tempo and the dynamics of the music are considered as the most important musical components to reduce stress in adults with MID. Practical implications for stress-reducing music therapy interventions for adults with MID are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.
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Background: Osteoarthritis is a major public health concern. Despite existing evidence-based treatment options, the health care situation remains unsatisfactory. Digital care options, especially when combined with in-person sessions, seem to be promising. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the needs, preconditions, barriers, and facilitators of blended physical therapy for osteoarthritis. Methods: This Delphi study consisted of interviews, an online questionnaire, and focus groups. Participants were physical therapists, patients with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis with or without experience in digital care, and stakeholders of the health care system. In the first phase, interviews were conducted with patients and physical therapists. The interview guide was based on the Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research. The interviews focused on experiences with digital and blended care. Furthermore, needs, facilitators, and barriers were discussed. In the second phase, an online questionnaire and focus groups served the process to confirm the needs and collect preconditions. The online questionnaire contained statements drawn by the results of the interviews. Patients and physical therapists were invited to complete the questionnaire and participate in one of the three focus groups including (1) patients; (2) physical therapists; and (3) a patient, a physical therapist, and stakeholders from the health care system. The focus groups were used to determine concordance with the results of the interviews and the online questionnaire. Results: Nine physical therapists, seven patients, and six stakeholders confirmed that an increase of acceptance of the digital care part by physical therapists and patients is crucial. One of the most frequently mentioned facilitators was conducting regular in-person sessions. Physical therapists and patients concluded that blended physical therapy must be tailored to the patients' needs. Participants of the last focus group stated that the reimbursement of blended physical therapy needs to be clarified. Conclusions: Most importantly, it is necessary to strengthen the acceptance of patients and physical therapists toward digital care. Overall, fo
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Survivors of father–daughter incest often suffer from complex trauma and sensory insensitivity, making it difficult to decipher the sensations in the body and experience body ownership, self-location and agency. This case study illustrates how sensory focused, Trauma-Centred Developmental Transformations can help restore or develop a bodily self, desensitize fear-based schemas, revise deeply buried beliefs and extend repertoire.
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Introduction: The ROTOS Foundation, dedicated to Occupational Therapy (OT) and Occupational Science (OS) research, is one of three branches of OT-Europe, alongside education and practice. Its vision is to enhance the lives of European citizens by uniting OT and OS researchers under a single, influential voice to highlight the impact of their work.Objectives: To connect OT and OS researchers across Europe, fostering collaboration and maximizing the societal impact of their research.Approach: ROTOS is developing Research Interest Groups (RIGs), specialized networks that bring together professionals with shared research interests. These groups aim to integrate OT and OS perspectives into impactful research benefiting individuals and communities.Practice Implications: RIGs are led by committed researchers who voluntarily coordinate activities within their expertise areas. Each RIG serves as a hub for knowledge exchange, supporting members in sharing ongoing projects, inspiring innovation, and fostering collaboration on research initiatives and grant applications.Contribution to the OT Profession: ROTOS plays a pivotal role in advancing OT and OS research in Europe. By establishing RIGs, it cultivates a collaborative and dynamic research environment, promotes the dissemination of cutting-edge knowledge, and advocates for the societal benefits of OT. Strengthening the research network ensures that OT and OS research continues to drive meaningful change, ultimately enhancing the well-being of individuals and communities across Europe.
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