Laryngeal sensory disturbance: diagnosis and rehabilitation

Abstract

Introduction: The speech-language diagnosis of patients with laryngeal dysfunctions can be done with several procedures, however, there is no test or instrument specific in Brazilian Portuguese to measure the laryngeal sensory disturbance. Besides the difficulty in identifying this population, there are also deficiencies in the area of rehabilitation. Although the literature suggests that the focus of rehabilitation in cases of the laryngeal sensory disturbance is sensory and not motor, we have not found in the literature clinical trials that have compared the effects of rehabilitation with these two perspectives, in this population. It is therefore necessary to both cross-culturally adapt and validate a questionnaire for use in the diagnostic process, and to analyze the effect of two rehabilitation methods for cases of laryngeal sensory disturbance, in order to foster clinical practice based on scientific evidence. Objective: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Newcastle Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire in Brazilian Portuguese to measure laryngeal sensations in individuals with complaints related to laryngeal dysfunction syndrome; to analyze the effect of the SPEech Pathology Intervention Program for CHronic Cough (SPEICH-C) compared to the Vocal Therapy Program (VTP) in the self-perception of laryngeal sensations and vocal symptoms in individuals with complaints related to laryngeal dysfunction syndrome. Methodology: This is a two phase study, the first is a prospective longitudinal study and the second is a randomized clinical trial. Participants will be divided into two groups: Healthy Group - healthy adults no complaints or history of vocal, respiratory or gastric alterations; Laryngeal Dysfunction Syndrome Group - adults with complaints related to laryngeal dysfunction syndrome. Phase I - cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Newcastle Laryngeal Hypersensitivity Questionnaire in which both groups will participate, as necessary in each of the four stages: translation and cross-cultural adaptation (translation and evaluation of cultural equivalence), validity analysis (content and construct validity), reliability analysis (internal consistency and reproducibility) and sensitivity analysis (individual sensitivity of questions and change with treatment). Phase II - a randomized clinical trial in which only individuals from the Group with Laryngeal Dysfunction Syndrome, randomly divided into two groups: Experimental Group (EG) - consisting of individuals who will perform SPEICH-C; and Control Group (CG) - constituted by individuals who will perform VTP. Two primary outcomes will be analyzed: self-perception of laryngeal sensations and self-perception of vocal symptoms. The data will be analyzed using the software Statistica 15.0 and SPSS 16.0, considering a 95% confidence interval.