Effect of Application of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Laryngeal Manual Therapy in Dysphonic Women: Clinical Trial

Abstract

To verify the effect of the Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and of Laryngeal Manual Therapy (LMT) and to compare the two techniques in relation to vocal/laryngeal symptoms, pain, and vocal quality after these resources were administered in dysphonic women. Control trial. A total of 20 women with bilateral vocal nodules participated. All of the volunteers underwent investigation of vocal/laryngeal symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and vocal register. The volunteers were subdivided into: 1. TENS Group (10 volunteers)-TENS application; 2. LMT Group (10 volunteers)-LMT application; both groups received 12 sessions of treatment, twice a week, lasting 20minutes each. After treatment, the initial assessments were repeated. Data were statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon and signal test (P<0.05). After TENS, there was significant improvement in the "high pitched voice" and "effort to speak" symptoms; there was significantly lower frequency of pain in the posterior neck and shoulder; TENS significantly reduced the intensity of pain in the posterior neck, shoulder, and upper back. The auditory perceptual analysis showed improvement only in the strain parameter after TENS. After LMT, there was improvement of the "sore throat," significantly lower incidence of pain in the anterior neck, and the pain intensity in the posterior neck decreased. When compared with the LMT, TENS appeared to be a treatment method intended to be used as a complement to voice therapy, considering the parameters evaluated and controlled.