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Effects of electrical stimulation on vocal functions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Author(s) -
Law Thomas,
Lee Kathy Y.S.,
Wong Rita W.M.,
Leung Yeptain,
Ku Peter K.M.,
Wong Eddy W.Y.,
Li HokNam,
Ng Louisa K.Y.,
van Hasselt C. Andrew,
Tong Michael C.F.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.26243
Subject(s) - nasopharyngeal carcinoma , stimulation , carcinoma , medicine , audiology , radiation therapy
Objectives/Hypothesis This study aimed to evaluate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on vocal functions in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma following radiation therapy. Study Design Prospective, randomized controlled trial. Methods One hundred forty newly treated NPC patients were recruited and randomized into NMES or traditional swallowing exercise (TE) group. Participants received intensive NMES or traditional swallowing therapy and were followed up until 12 months postrandomization. Fifty‐seven participants completed the treatment and all of the follow‐up assessments. The Voice Handicap Index‐30 (VHI‐30) was used to measure the vocal functions of the participants. Results The NMES group showed no significant changes to their vocal functions, whereas the TE group showed a short‐term deterioration of voice functions at the 6‐month follow‐up. VHI‐30 scores returned to the baseline level for both groups at the 12‐month follow‐up. Conclusions NMES is shown to provide a short‐term benefit on vocal functions for NPC patients following radiation therapy. Level of Evidence 1b Laryngoscope , 127:1119–1124, 2017