Authors' Research Question Methods Findings And Results ✓ Solved

Authors Research Question Methods Findings/Results Personal Learni

Authors: Rangarathnam, B., McCullough, G. H., Pickett, H., Zraick, R. I., Tulunay-Ugur, O., & McCullough, K. C. (2015).

Article Title: Telepractice versus in-person delivery of voice therapy for primary muscle tension dysphonia.

Journal: American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24(3).

Research Question: What is the effect of delivering voice therapy exercises (flow phonation) via telepractice compared to face-to-face delivery?

Methods: The authors recruited 14 participants with primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), divided into two groups. One group received treatment face-to-face while the other group received therapy via telepractice. Participants underwent voice therapy exercises for 12 sessions, and pre- and post-treatment voice measures were compared.

Findings/Results: Participants demonstrated statistically significant changes as an effect of treatment, and the treatment outcomes were similar in both groups, indicating that telepractice is as effective as face-to-face delivery.

Paper For Above Instructions

In recent years, the emergence of telepractice as a mode of healthcare delivery has garnered significant attention, especially in the field of speech-language pathology. This paper discusses a study conducted by Rangarathnam et al. (2015) that compared the effectiveness of telepractice versus traditional in-person delivery of voice therapy exercises specifically for individuals with primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). The utilization of telepractice is particularly relevant in today's context, where technology-enhanced therapy options can increase accessibility and convenience for patients.

Introduction

Primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder characterized by excessive muscle tension in the larynx, which can severely affect an individual's ability to produce sound effectively. Traditional voice therapy typically requires face-to-face interaction between patients and speech-language pathologists. However, advancements in technology have opened the door to alternative methods, such as telepractice, where therapy is delivered remotely using digital communication tools.

The research conducted by Rangarathnam et al. aimed to explore whether telepractice could yield comparable results to in-person therapy in treating MTD. Understanding the impact of telepractice can help practitioners expand their therapeutic offerings and patients access critical services regardless of geographical constraints.

Methodology

The study involved a randomized control trial design with 14 participants diagnosed with primary MTD. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a telepractice group and a face-to-face group. Each group received a structured voice therapy program focusing on flow phonation, a technique designed to reduce vocal tension.

Over the span of 12 therapy sessions, voice measures were collected pre-treatment and post-treatment. These measures included various metrics that evaluated vocal quality, pitch, and resonance. The statistical analysis aimed to identify any significant differences in outcomes between the two delivery methods.

Results

The findings from the study were encouraging, suggesting that telepractice is as effective as traditional face-to-face therapy in managing MTD. Participants in both groups exhibited statistically significant improvements in their voice measures after the completion of the therapy sessions. This outcome underscores the potential of telepractice as a viable alternative for delivering voice therapy, especially for those who may face challenges in attending in-person sessions due to distance, mobility issues, or other barriers.

Discussion

The implications of this study are substantial. As telepractice continues to evolve and gain acceptance in the healthcare community, it is essential for speech-language pathologists to embrace this mode of service delivery. The effectiveness of telepractice not only provides benefits in terms of accessibility but also offers flexibility for patients who may require therapy in non-traditional settings.

Despite the positive findings, it is important to recognize the limitations of the study. The relatively small sample size of 14 participants may limit the generalizability of the results to broader populations. Future research should aim to include larger cohorts and diverse demographics to further validate the findings.

Personal Learning

This investigation has been eye-opening in understanding the potential of telepractice in speech-language therapy. Personally, I have come to appreciate how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare access, especially for individuals residing in remote areas or those with mobility challenges. It has also highlighted the importance of being adaptable as a professional in the face of evolving delivery methods.

Furthermore, I learned the significance of rigorous research methodology in generating reliable evidence that supports clinical practices. The study underscores the need for continuous evaluation and adaptation of therapeutic modalities in line with technological advancements.

Conclusion

To conclude, the research by Rangarathnam et al. (2015) offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of telepractice in delivering voice therapy for individuals with primary muscle tension dysphonia. The findings advocate for the integration of telepractice into contemporary speech-language pathology, potentially leading to enhanced patient outcomes and broader access to necessary healthcare services.

References

• Rangarathnam, B., McCullough, G. H., Pickett, H., Zraick, R. I., Tulunay-Ugur, O., & McCullough, K. C. (2015). Telepractice versus in-person delivery of voice therapy for primary muscle tension dysphonia. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24(3).
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