Role of Surface EMG in Diagnostics and Treatment of Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Excessive activity of the extralaryngeal muscles affects laryngeal function and contributes to a spectrum of interrelated symptoms and syndromes including muscle tension dysphonia and spasmodic dysphonia. Recognition of the role of extralaryngeal tension is helpful in ensuring proper diagnosis and selection of appropriate treatment. This report demonstrates the application of manual laryngeal musculoskeletal tension reduction techniques in the diagnosis and management of laryngeal hyperfunction syndromes The manual technique consists of focal palpation to determine 1) extent of laryngeal elevation, 2) focal tenderness, 3) voice effect of applying downward pressure over the superior border of the thyroid lamina, and 4) extent of sustained voice improvement following circumlaryngeal massage. The clinical utility of this innovative approach is discussed.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of An examination of surface EMG for the assessment of muscle tension dysphonia.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.718157902.793486115 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Ricci Maccarini ◽

Alfonso Gianluca Gucciardo ◽

Flavio Pieri

Keyword(s):

Muscle Tension ◽

Surface Emg ◽

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

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Functional Voice Disorders/Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Otolaryngology ◽

10.1016/s0194-5998(05)80243-8 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 112 (5) ◽

pp. P100-P100

Author(s):

David H. Slavit ◽

Barbara Leader

Keyword(s):

Comprehensive Evaluation ◽

Muscle Tension ◽

Voice Disorders ◽

Educational Objectives ◽

Muscle Tension Dysphonia ◽

Nonsurgical Management

Educational objectives: To identify the various forms and etiologic factors of muscle-tension dysphonia, to perform a comprehensive evaluation, and to understand the role of surgical and nonsurgical management.

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The Assessment Methods of Laryngeal Muscle Activity in Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Review

The Scientific World JOURNAL ◽

10.1155/2013/507397 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 2013 ◽

pp. 1-6 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Seyyedeh Maryam Khoddami ◽

Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari ◽

Farzad Izadi ◽

Saeed Talebian Moghadam

Keyword(s):

Muscle Activity ◽

Muscle Tension ◽

Surface Emg ◽

Assessment Methods ◽

Voice Disorder ◽

Laryngeal Muscle ◽

Muscle Tension Dysphonia ◽

Muscular Tension ◽

Clinical Methods ◽

Physiological Information

The purpose of this paper is to review the methods used for the assessment of muscular tension dysphonia (MTD). The MTD is a functional voice disorder associated with abnormal laryngeal muscle activity. Various assessment methods are available in the literature to evaluate the laryngeal hyperfunction. The case history, laryngoscopy, and palpation are clinical methods for the assessment of patients with MTD. Radiography and surface electromyography (EMG) are objective methods to provide physiological information about MTD. Recent studies show that surface EMG can be an effective tool for assessing muscular tension in MTD.

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An Examination of Surface EMG for the Assessment of Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Journal of Voice ◽

10.1016/j.jvoice.2011.06.006 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 27 (2) ◽

pp. 177-186 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Evelyne Van Houtte ◽

Sofie Claeys ◽

Evelien D’haeseleer ◽

Floris Wuyts ◽

Kristiane Van Lierde

Keyword(s):

Muscle Tension ◽

Surface Emg ◽

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

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The evidence for laryngeal manual therapies in the treatment of muscle tension dysphonia

Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery ◽

10.1097/moo.0b013e3283448f6c ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 171-176 ◽

Cited By ~ 24

Author(s):

Lesley Mathieson

Keyword(s):

Muscle Tension ◽

Manual Therapies ◽

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

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Muscle Tension Dysphonia: A Rationale for Symptomatic Subtypes, Expedited Treatment, and Increased Therapy Compliance

Perspectives on Voice and Voice Disorders ◽

10.1044/vvd25.1.5 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 5-15 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Martin L. Spencer

Keyword(s):

Interest Group ◽

Special Interest ◽

Muscle Tension ◽

Special Interest Group ◽

Patient Awareness ◽

Muscle Tension Dysphonia ◽

Variable Nature ◽

Therapy Compliance

This article will briefly identify the variable nature of muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). Causes such as psychogenicity and maladaptive “vocal posture” will be described and questioned. Special Interest Group (SIG) 3 members may benefit from identification of the strengths and weaknesses of an ongoing movement towards a symptomatically generic “MTD.” More specific subtyping of MTD into 9 categories will be proposed, as well as description of associated therapy methods. Increased patient awareness that some subtypes may be self-correctable could simplify intervention, increase compliance, and improve clinician and researcher effectiveness.

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