Short-Term Intensive Therapy and Outcomes for Athletes With Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion Disorder

Purpose

The aim of the study was to develop a treatment for athletes with paradoxical vocal fold motion disorder (PVFMD) based on exercise physiology and learning theory principles and administer it over a preestablished time frame.

Method

A prospective, repeated-measures, within-subject group design was used. Eleven adolescent/teen athletes diagnosed with PVFMD via laryngoscopy received short-term intensive (STI) therapy. Eight of the athletes returned for extended follow-up. Changes in postexercise inspiratory (R _i) and expiratory (R _e) resistances and Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale (MBDS) ratings collected at baseline were compared immediately posttreatment and at extended follow-up. Dyspnea Index scores were collected at baseline and at extended follow-up. Two no-treatment control athletes with PVFMD participated in two exercise challenges—baseline and 6 weeks later.

Results

Immediately after STI therapy, athletes attained significant improvement in R _i, R _e, and MBDS ratings. These changes were maintained at extended follow-up as well as a significant change in Dyspnea Index scores. The 2 control athletes who were reassessed 6 weeks after baseline experienced negative changes in postexercise R _i and MBDS ratings.

Conclusion

STI therapy that incorporated individuality, specificity, and variable practice effectively changed outcome measures posttreatment with further improvement observed at extended follow-up. These results provide preliminary evidence for STI therapy for PVFMD.

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