Vibro-tactile Stimulation for Spasmodic Dysphonia
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes people who regularly take benzodiazepines, so you would need to stop taking them to participate. For other medications, the protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking them.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) for spasmodic dysphonia?
A study found that Vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) improved voice quality in 69% of participants with spasmodic dysphonia by reducing voice breaks and enhancing speech quality. These improvements lasted for 20 minutes after the treatment, suggesting that VTS can temporarily help with voice issues in this condition.12345
Is vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) safe for humans?
How does the treatment Vibro-tactile Stimulation (VTS) for spasmodic dysphonia differ from other treatments?
Vibro-tactile Stimulation (VTS) is unique because it uses vibrations to alter brain activity related to speech control, offering a non-invasive way to improve voice quality in spasmodic dysphonia. Unlike other treatments like Botulinum toxin injections, which temporarily paralyze muscles, VTS modulates brain activity to reduce voice breaks and improve speech quality.123910
What is the purpose of this trial?
The general aim of the research is to provide scientific evidence that vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) represents a non-invasive form of neuromodulation that can induce measurable improvements in the speech of patients with laryngeal dystonia (LD) - also called spasmodic dysphonia (SD).
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults over 18 with a confirmed diagnosis of adductor or abductor spasmodic dysphonia (a voice disorder) for at least 6 months. It's not suitable for those with cognitive issues, regular benzodiazepine users, pregnant individuals, non-English speakers, or people with certain neurological conditions affecting speech.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) with varying doses and activation methods
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor