Autonomic Dysfunction in Functional Dysphonia: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing ANS Regulation Therapy and Conventional Voice Therapy

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying autonomic dysfunction in patients with functional dysphonia (FD), a voice disorder without clear organic cause, to better understand its underlying psychophysiology and improve therapy options. The study includes both a case-control comparison with vocally healthy individuals matched by age and gender, and a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a novel autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulation therapy alongside conventional voice therapy (CVT). The goal is to assess the frequency of symptoms related to autonomic dysfunction and compare treatment effects on voice and autonomic function. The trial involves three treatment groups for patients with FD: ANS regulation therapy using heart rate variability biofeedback, conventional voice therapy (CVT), and a combination of both therapies. Each participant practices daily for 20 minutes over one month, including one weekly clinic session supervised by a therapist and home sessions tracked by specialized apps and heart rate monitors. The ANS therapy focuses on personalized slow-paced breathing exercises, while the CVT includes voice education, hygiene, posture, breathing, and vocal exercises. Participants will be assessed before treatment, immediately after one month of therapy, and at three months follow-up. Evaluations include physiological measures like heart rate variability, respiration rate, skin conductance, and psychological questionnaires related to stress and anxiety. Voice assessments include the Dysphonia Severity Index, acoustic voice quality, and patient-reported voice outcomes. The study aims to monitor changes in autonomic and voice function over time to inform future treatment approaches for FD.

Autonomic Dysfunction in Functional Dysphonia