Effectiveness of Semi occluded vocal tract exercise (SOVTE) on voice quality among Dysarthria patient

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercises (SOVTE) in enhancing voice quality in dysarthric individual’s post-stroke. Dysarthria is a motor speech condition marked by defective articulation, resonance, phonation, and breath control, frequently leading to decreased speech intelligibility and vocal fatigue. The study was performed at the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) in Bangladesh, comprising 10 dysarthric patients who underwent SOVTE-based rehabilitation for two weeks. Voice quality was evaluated before and after the intervention utilizing the GRBAS scale, which measures five essential parameters: grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain. The findings showed significant improvements across every parameter. Post-intervention data indicated a significant decrease in vocal strain, improved phonation, increased resonance, and superior breath control, with statistical significance shown by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test (Z = 3.051, p < 0.05) and substantial effect sizes (r > 0.6). Phonation enhanced in all individuals, with 30% reaching normal levels following the intervention. The intervention's efficacy highlights SOVTE's capacity to improve vocal function by elevating intraoral pressure, stabilizing glottal closure, and decreasing vocal-fold collision. This study suggests that SOVTE is a realistic and efficient therapy intervention for speech-language therapists treating dysarthria, providing a non invasive and affordable approach for enhancing voice quality. The results indicate that integrating SOVTE into standard rehabilitation protocols can significantly enhance the communication skills and quality of life for individuals with dysarthria. So, if any health professional want to use SOVTE he can use it. Key words: Semi occluded vocal tract exercise, Dysarthria, Voice Quality