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European Journal of Physical and... Aug 2018The Modified Ashworth Scale is the most widely clinical scale used to measure the increase of muscle tone. Reliability is not an immutable property of a scale and can... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The Modified Ashworth Scale is the most widely clinical scale used to measure the increase of muscle tone. Reliability is not an immutable property of a scale and can vary as a function of the variability and composition of the sample to which it is administered. The best method to examine how the reliability of a test scores varies is by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the reliability coefficients obtained in different applications of the test with the data at hand. The objectives of this systematic revision are: what is the mean inter- and intra-rater reliability of the Modified Ashworth Scale's scores in upper and lower extremities? Which study characteristics affect the reliability of the scores in this scale?
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
The PubMed, Embase and CINAHL databases were searched from 1987 to February 2015. Two reviewers independently selected empirical studies published in English or in Spanish that applied the Modified Ashworth Scale and reported any reliability coefficient with the data at hand in children, adolescents or adults with spasticity.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Thirty-three studies reported any reliability estimate of Modified Ashworth Scale scores (N.=1065 participants). For lower extremities and inter-rater agreement, the mean intraclass correlation was ICC+=0.686 (95% CI: 0.563 and 0.780) and for kappa coefficients, κ+=0.360 (95% CI: 0.241 and 0.468); for intra-rater agreement: ICC+=0.644 (95% CI: 0.543 and 0.726) and κ+=0.488 (95% CI: 0.370 and 0.591). For upper extremities and inter-rater agreement: ICC+=0.781 (95% CI: 0.679 and 0.853) and κ+=0.625 (95% CI: 0.350 and 0.801); for intra-rater agreement: ICC+=0.748 (95% CI: 0.671 and 0.809) and κ+=0.593 (95% CI: 0.467 and 0.696). The type of design, the study focus, and the number of raters presented statistically significant relationships with ICC both for lower and upper extremities.
CONCLUSIONS
Inter- and intra-rater agreement for Modified Ashworth Scale scores was satisfactory. Modified Ashworth Scale' scores exhibited better reliability when measuring upper extremities than lower. Several characteristics of the studies were statistically associated to inter-rater reliability of the scores for lower and upper extremities.
Topics: Disability Evaluation; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Male; Muscle Spasticity; Muscle Tonus; Observer Variation; Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine; Severity of Illness Index
PubMed: 28901119
DOI: 10.23736/S1973-9087.17.04796-7 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology... Jun 2003To review the literature on the origin, anatomical rationale, techniques, and evidence-based effectiveness of peripartum pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) in the prevention... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature on the origin, anatomical rationale, techniques, and evidence-based effectiveness of peripartum pelvic floor exercises (PFEs) in the prevention of pelvic floor problems including urinary and anal incontinence, and prolapse.
DATA SOURCES
Literature was reviewed for background information. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and proceedings of scientific meetings were searched for evidence-based data. A comprehensive literature search was performed to find all studies that involved the use of antepartum and/or postpartum PFEs. For the MEDLINE (1966 to 2002) and CINAHL (1980 to 2002) searches, the following key words were used: urinary incontinence (prevention and control, rehabilitation, therapy), fecal incontinence, exercise or exercise therapy, Kegel, muscle contraction, muscle tonus, muscle development, pelvic floor, pregnancy, puerperium, puerperal disorders. For the EMBASE (1980 to 2002) search, the following key words were used: micturition disorder (prevention, rehab, disease management, therapy), fecal incontinence, labour complication, pregnancy disorder, puerperal disorder, antepartum care, pregnancy, kinesiotherapy, exercise, pelvic floor, bladder. A manual search was performed of available abstracts presented at the annual scientific meetings of the International Continence Society (1997, 1999 to 2002), American Urogynecologic Association (1997 to 1998, 2000 to 2002), and International Urogynecological Association (1997, 1999 to 2002). Twelve studies evaluating the role of antepartum PFE were found, of which 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PFEs for the prevention of urinary incontinence to controls were included. Twelve studies evaluating postpartum PFEs for prevention of urinary incontinence were reviewed, of which 4 RCTs were included. Five studies evaluating postpartum PFEs for the prevention of anal incontinence were reviewed, of which 4 RCTs were included. Participants in the studies were primiparous women. DATA TABULATION AND INTEGRATION: Data were extracted using a standardized collection form. Quality of the data was evaluated using the Jadad scale. Where possible, a meta-analysis was conducted using a random effect model. Heterogeneity between trials was assessed and sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Antepartum PFEs, when used with biofeedback and taught by trained health care personnel, using a conservative model, does not result in significant short-term (3 months) decrease in postpartum urinary incontinence, or pelvic floor strength. Postpartum PFEs, when performed with a vaginal device providing resistance or feedback, appear to decrease postpartum urinary incontinence and to increase strength. Reminder and motivational systems to perform "Kegel" exercises are ineffective in preventing postpartum urinary incontinence. Postpartum PFEs do not consistently reduce the incidence of anal incontinence.
CONCLUSION
Postpartum PFEs appear to be effective in decreasing postpartum urinary incontinence. Data regarding the effect of PFEs on prevention of anal incontinence are lacking, and also on its prevention of prolapse.
Topics: Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Muscle Contraction; Pelvic Floor; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders; Treatment Outcome; Urinary Incontinence, Stress
PubMed: 12806450
DOI: 10.1016/s1701-2163(16)30310-3 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2017Exercise training is commonly recommended for individuals with fibromyalgia. This review is one of a series of reviews about exercise training for people with... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Exercise training is commonly recommended for individuals with fibromyalgia. This review is one of a series of reviews about exercise training for people with fibromyalgia that will replace the "Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome" review first published in 2002.
OBJECTIVES
• To evaluate the benefits and harms of aerobic exercise training for adults with fibromyalgia• To assess the following specific comparisons ० Aerobic versus control conditions (eg, treatment as usual, wait list control, physical activity as usual) ० Aerobic versus aerobic interventions (eg, running vs brisk walking) ० Aerobic versus non-exercise interventions (eg, medications, education) We did not assess specific comparisons involving aerobic exercise versus other exercise interventions (eg, resistance exercise, aquatic exercise, flexibility exercise, mixed exercise). Other systematic reviews have examined or will examine these comparisons (Bidonde 2014; Busch 2013).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), Thesis and Dissertation Abstracts, the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED), the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP), and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry up to June 2016, unrestricted by language, and we reviewed the reference lists of retrieved trials to identify potentially relevant trials.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adults with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia that compared aerobic training interventions (dynamic physical activity that increases breathing and heart rate to submaximal levels for a prolonged period) versus no exercise or another intervention. Major outcomes were health-related quality of life (HRQL), pain intensity, stiffness, fatigue, physical function, withdrawals, and adverse events.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, extracted data, performed a risk of bias assessment, and assessed the quality of the body of evidence for major outcomes using the GRADE approach. We used a 15% threshold for calculation of clinically relevant differences between groups.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 13 RCTs (839 people). Studies were at risk of selection, performance, and detection bias (owing to lack of blinding for self-reported outcomes) and had low risk of attrition and reporting bias. We prioritized the findings when aerobic exercise was compared with no exercise control and present them fully here.Eight trials (with 456 participants) provided low-quality evidence for pain intensity, fatigue, stiffness, and physical function; and moderate-quality evidence for withdrawals and HRQL at completion of the intervention (6 to 24 weeks). With the exception of withdrawals and adverse events, major outcome measures were self-reported and were expressed on a 0 to 100 scale (lower values are best, negative mean differences (MDs)/standardized mean differences (SMDs) indicate improvement). Effects for aerobic exercise versus control were as follows: HRQL: mean 56.08; five studies; N = 372; MD -7.89, 95% CI -13.23 to -2.55; absolute improvement of 8% (3% to 13%) and relative improvement of 15% (5% to 24%); pain intensity: mean 65.31; six studies; N = 351; MD -11.06, 95% CI -18.34 to -3.77; absolute improvement of 11% (95% CI 4% to 18%) and relative improvement of 18% (7% to 30%); stiffness: mean 69; one study; N = 143; MD -7.96, 95% CI -14.95 to -0.97; absolute difference in improvement of 8% (1% to 15%) and relative change in improvement of 11.4% (21.4% to 1.4%); physical function: mean 38.32; three studies; N = 246; MD -10.16, 95% CI -15.39 to -4.94; absolute change in improvement of 10% (15% to 5%) and relative change in improvement of 21.9% (33% to 11%); and fatigue: mean 68; three studies; N = 286; MD -6.48, 95% CI -14.33 to 1.38; absolute change in improvement of 6% (12% improvement to 0.3% worse) and relative change in improvement of 8% (16% improvement to 0.4% worse). Pooled analysis resulted in a risk ratio (RR) of moderate quality for withdrawals (17 per 100 and 20 per 100 in control and intervention groups, respectively; eight studies; N = 456; RR 1.25, 95%CI 0.89 to 1.77; absolute change of 5% more withdrawals with exercise (3% fewer to 12% more).Three trials provided low-quality evidence on long-term effects (24 to 208 weeks post intervention) and reported that benefits for pain and function persisted but did not for HRQL or fatigue. Withdrawals were similar, and investigators did not assess stiffness and adverse events.We are uncertain about the effects of one aerobic intervention versus another, as the evidence was of low to very low quality and was derived from single trials only, precluding meta-analyses. Similarly, we are uncertain of the effects of aerobic exercise over active controls (ie, education, three studies; stress management training, one study; medication, one study) owing to evidence of low to very low quality provided by single trials. Most studies did not measure adverse events; thus we are uncertain about the risk of adverse events associated with aerobic exercise.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
When compared with control, moderate-quality evidence indicates that aerobic exercise probably improves HRQL and all-cause withdrawal, and low-quality evidence suggests that aerobic exercise may slightly decrease pain intensity, may slightly improve physical function, and may lead to little difference in fatigue and stiffness. Three of the reported outcomes reached clinical significance (HRQL, physical function, and pain). Long-term effects of aerobic exercise may include little or no difference in pain, physical function, and all-cause withdrawal, and we are uncertain about long-term effects on remaining outcomes. We downgraded the evidence owing to the small number of included trials and participants across trials, and because of issues related to unclear and high risks of bias (performance, selection, and detection biases). Aerobic exercise appears to be well tolerated (similar withdrawal rates across groups), although evidence on adverse events is scarce, so we are uncertain about its safety.
Topics: Adult; Exercise; Fatigue; Female; Fibromyalgia; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Tonus; Pain Measurement; Patient Dropouts; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28636204
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD012700 -
British Journal of Sports Medicine Sep 2020To systematically review risk factors for hamstring strain injury (HSI). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Recalibrating the risk of hamstring strain injury (HSI): A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors for index and recurrent hamstring strain injury in sport.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically review risk factors for hamstring strain injury (HSI).
DESIGN
Systematic review update.
DATA SOURCES
Database searches: (1) inception to 2011 (original), and (2) 2011 to December 2018 (update). Citation tracking, manual reference and ahead of press searches.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES
Studies presenting prospective data evaluating factors associated with the risk of index and/or recurrent HSI.
METHOD
Search result screening and risk of bias assessment. A best evidence synthesis for each factor and meta-analysis, where possible, to determine the association with risk of HSI.
RESULTS
The 78 studies captured 8,319 total HSIs, including 967 recurrences, in 71,324 athletes. Older age (standardised mean difference=1.6, p=0.002), any history of HSI (risk ratio (RR)=2.7, p<0.001), a recent HSI (RR=4.8, p<0.001), previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury (RR=1.7, p=0.002) and previous calf strain injury (RR=1.5, p<0.001) were significant risk factors for HSI. From the best evidence synthesis, factors relating to sports performance and match play, running and hamstring strength were most consistently associated with HSI risk. The risk of recurrent HSI is best evaluated using clinical data and not the MRI characteristics of the index injury.
SUMMARY/CONCLUSION
Older age and a history of HSI are the strongest risk factors for HSI. Future research may be directed towards exploring the interaction of risk factors and how these relationships fluctuate over time given the occurrence of index and recurrent HSI in sport is multifactorial.
Topics: Age Factors; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; Athletic Injuries; Electromyography; Hamstring Muscles; Humans; Muscle Strength; Muscle Tonus; Muscle, Skeletal; Risk Factors; Running; Sprains and Strains
PubMed: 32299793
DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2019-100983 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Aug 2023The association between pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tone in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain (PNCPP) is unclear. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The association between pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) tone in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain (PNCPP) is unclear.
AIM
To synthesize the evidence of the association between pelvic pain and PFM tone in women with PNCPP.
METHODS
A systematic review was conducted via MEDLINE, Emcare, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus to identify relevant studies. Studies were eligible if pelvic pain and PFM tone outcome measures were reported among women aged >18 years. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies was used to assess study quality. Studies were pooled by assessment of PFM tone via a random effects model. Associations between the presence of pelvic pain and PFM tone were assessed with odds ratio (OR), while linear associations were assessed with Pearson or Spearman correlation.
OUTCOMES
Pelvic pain measures (intensity, threshold, and frequency) and resting PFM tone in women with PNCPP, as evaluated by any clinical assessment method or tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included in this review. The presence of pelvic pain was significantly associated with increased PFM tone as assessed by digital palpation (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.66-4.89). Pelvic pain intensity was inversely but weakly associated with PFM flexibility when evaluated through dynamometry (r = -0.29; 95% CI, -0.42 to -0.17). However, no significant associations were found between pelvic pain and PFM tone when measured with other objective assessment methods.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Pelvic pain and increased PFM tone may not be directly associated; alternatively, a nonlinear association may exist. A range of biopsychosocial factors may mediate or moderate the association, and clinicians may need to consider these factors when assessing women with PNCPP.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This review was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. All possible findings from relevant theses and conference abstracts were considered in our search. However, nonlinear associations between pelvic pain and increased PFM tone were not assessed as part of this review.
CONCLUSION
Pelvic pain may be linearly associated with increased PFM tone and decreased PFM flexibility when measured with digital palpation or dynamometry; however, this association was not observed when other aspects of PFM tone were assessed through objective methods. Future studies are required using robust assessment methods to measure PFM tone and analyses that account for other biopsychosocial factors that may influence the association.
Topics: Female; Humans; Pelvic Floor; Muscle Tonus; Cross-Sectional Studies; Pelvic Pain; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 37507352
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad089 -
Sleep & Breathing = Schlaf & Atmung Dec 2010Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using methods for increasing upper airway muscle tonus has been controversial and poorly reported. Thus, a review of the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using methods for increasing upper airway muscle tonus has been controversial and poorly reported. Thus, a review of the evidence is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods.
DESIGN
The design used was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
DATA SOURCES
Data sources are from the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase and Scielo, registries of ongoing trials, theses indexed at Biblioteca Regional de Medicina/Pan-American Health Organization of the World Health Organization and the reference lists of all the trials retrieved.
REVIEW METHODS
This was a review of randomized or quasi-randomized double-blind trials on OSA. Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria. One reviewer assessed study quality and extracted data, and these processes were checked by a second reviewer. The primary outcome was a decrease in the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of below five episodes per hour. Other outcomes were subjective sleep quality, sleep quality measured by night polysomnography, quality of life measured subjectively and adverse events associated with the treatments.
DATA SYNTHESIS
Three eligible trials were included. Two studies showed improvements through the objective and subjective analyses, and one study showed improvement of snoring, but not of AHI while the subjective analyses showed no improvement. The adverse events were reported and they were not significant.
CONCLUSIONS
There is no accepted scientific evidence that methods aiming to increase muscle tonus of the stomatognathic system are effective in reducing AHI to below five events per hour. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are needed to assess the efficacy of such methods.
Topics: Airway Resistance; Cross-Over Studies; Double-Blind Method; Electric Stimulation Therapy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Exercise Therapy; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Muscles; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle Tonus; Palatal Muscles; Pharyngeal Muscles; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive; Tongue
PubMed: 20563659
DOI: 10.1007/s11325-010-0377-9 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Jan 2023Alterations in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function have been observed in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain (PNCPP) as compared with women without PNCPP;... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Alterations in pelvic floor muscle (PFM) function have been observed in women with persistent noncancer pelvic pain (PNCPP) as compared with women without PNCPP; however, the literature presents conflicting findings regarding differences in PFM tone between women with and without PNCPP.
AIM
To systematically review the literature comparing PFM tone in women with and without PNCPP.
METHODS
MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were searched from inception to June 2021 for relevant studies. Studies were included that reported PFM tone data in women aged ≥18 years with and without PNCPP. The risk of bias was assessed with the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) for PFM tone measures were calculated via random effects models.
OUTCOMES
Resting PFM tone parameters, including myoelectrical activity, resistance, morphometry, stiffness, flexibility, relaxation, and intravaginal pressure, measured by any clinical examination method or tool.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven PFM tone parameters were measured. Meta-analyses were conducted for myoelectrical activity, resistance, and anterior-posterior diameter of the levator hiatus. Myoelectrical activity and resistance were higher in women with PNCPP than in women without (SMD = 1.32 [95% CI, 0.36-2.29] and SMD = 2.05 [95% CI, 1.03-3.06], respectively). Women with PNCPP also had a smaller anterior-posterior diameter of the levator hiatus as compared with women without (SMD = -0.34 [95% CI, -0.51 to -0.16]). Meta-analyses were not performed for the remaining PFM tone parameters due to an insufficient number of studies; however, results of these studies suggested greater PFM stiffness and reduced PFM flexibility in women with PNCPP than in women without.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
Available evidence suggests that women with PNCPP have increased PFM tone, which could be targeted by treatments.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
A comprehensive search strategy was used with no restriction on language or date to review studies evaluating PFM tone parameters between women with and without PNCPP. However, meta-analyses were not undertaken for all parameters because few included studies measured the same PFM tone properties. There was variability in the methods used to assess PFM tone, all of which have some limitations.
CONCLUSION
Women with PNCPP have higher PFM tone than women without PNCPP; therefore, future research is required to understand the strength of the relationship between pelvic pain and PFM tone and to investigate the effect of treatment modalities to reduce PFM tone on pelvic pain in this population.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Adult; Pelvic Floor; Muscle Tonus; Pelvic Pain; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Muscle Contraction
PubMed: 36897234
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac002 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Sep 2008Snoring is the noise caused by vibration during the in-breath; and which structure actually vibrates depends on many factors. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Snoring is the noise caused by vibration during the in-breath; and which structure actually vibrates depends on many factors.
OBJECTIVE
The treatment of snoring with methods to increase muscle tonus of upper airway has been controversial, and poorly reported, thus a review of evidence is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of these methods.
METHOD
A review of randomized or quasi-randomized, double blind trials on snoring treatment that have employed any method to increase muscle tonus of upper airway like phonotherapy or physical therapy among others.
OUTCOMES
decrease or completely stop of snoring, sleep quality, quality of life, and adverse events.
RESULTS
Three eligible trials were potentially analyzed, but none of them could provide good scientific evidence favoring the intervention. The objective analyses of one study showed improvement of snoring, although the objective sub-analyses and subjective analyses showed controversial results. The adverse events were not reported.
CONCLUSION
There is no enough evidence to support the recommendation of methods to increase muscle tonus of upper airways in treatment of snoring. Well designed randomized clinical trials are needed to asses the efficacy of such methods, and a standard and worldwide accepted method for snoring assessment would be useful for future researches.
Topics: Breathing Exercises; Exercise Therapy; Humans; Muscle Tonus; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Respiratory Muscles; Snoring
PubMed: 18949285
DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2008000500037 -
International Journal of... Jun 2015A systematic review of behavioural intervention for the treatment of adults with muscle tension voice disorders (MTVD). (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
A systematic review of behavioural intervention for the treatment of adults with muscle tension voice disorders (MTVD).
METHOD
A search of 12 electronic databases and reference lists for studies published between the years 1990-2014 was conducted using the PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion and exclusion criteria included type of publication, participant characteristics, intervention, outcome measures and report of outcomes. Methodological quality rating scales and confidence in diagnostic scale supported the literature evaluation.
RESULT
Seven papers met the inclusion criteria. Significant improvement on at least one outcome measure was reported for all studies. Effect sizes were small-to-large. Methodological qualities of research were varied. No study explicitly reported treatment fidelity and cumulative intervention intensity could only be calculated for two out of seven studies. Outcome measures were used inconsistently and less than half of the measures had reported reliability values. Confidence in the accuracy of subject diagnosis on average was rated as low. Specific "active ingredients" for therapeutic change were not identified.
CONCLUSION
Voice therapy for the treatment of MTVD is associated with positive treatment outcomes; however, there is an obvious need for systematic and high quality research designs to expand the evidence base for the behavioural treatment of MTVD.
Topics: Behavior Therapy; Humans; Laryngeal Muscles; Muscle Tonus; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome; Voice Disorders; Voice Quality; Voice Training
PubMed: 25953458
DOI: 10.3109/17549507.2015.1024169 -
The Laryngoscope Jan 2024Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is the most common functional voice disorder. Behavioral voice therapy is the front-line treatment for MTD, and laryngeal manual therapy... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is the most common functional voice disorder. Behavioral voice therapy is the front-line treatment for MTD, and laryngeal manual therapy may be a part of this treatment. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of manual circumlaryngeal therapy (MCT) on acoustic markers of voice quality (jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio) and vocal function (fundamental frequency) through a systematic review with meta-analysis.
DATA SOURCES
Four databases were searched from inception to December 2022, and a manual search was performed.
REVIEW METHODS
The PRISMA extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating a meta-analysis of health care interventions was applied, and a random effects model was used for the meta-analyses.
RESULTS
We identified 6 eligible studies from 30 studies (without duplicates). The MCT approach was highly effective on acoustics with large effect sizes (Cohen's d > 0.8). Significant improvements were obtained in jitter in percent (mean difference of -.58; 95% CI -1.00 to 0.16), shimmer in percent (mean difference of -5.66; 95% CI -8.16 to 3.17), and harmonics-to-noise ratio in dB (mean difference of 4.65; 95% CI 1.90-7.41), with the latter two measurements continuing to be significantly improved by MCT when measurement variability is considered.
CONCLUSION
The efficacy of MCT for MTD was confirmed in most clinical studies by assessing jitter, shimmer, and harmonics-to-noise ratio related to voice quality. The effects of MCT on the fundamental frequency changes could not be verified. Further contributions of high-quality randomized control trials are needed to support evidence-based practice in laryngology. Laryngoscope, 134:18-26, 2024.
Topics: Humans; Dysphonia; Muscle Tonus; Treatment Outcome; Voice Quality; Speech Acoustics; Musculoskeletal Manipulations
PubMed: 37366280
DOI: 10.1002/lary.30850