Inspiratory pressure threshold training in a case of congenital bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis

Received 11 July 2002; received in revised form 6 November 2002; accepted 6 November 2002.

Abstract

We present a non-surgical treatment option to decrease symptoms of dyspnea in a 6 year-old child with congenital bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis. A respiratory muscle strength-training program was used to strengthen her inspiratory muscles for 8 months, 3 to 5 days per week. Inspiratory muscle strength increased over the course of training, resulting in reported decreases in dyspnea by both the child and parents during speech and exercise.

Keywords: Vocal fold paralysis, Respiratory muscle training, Exercise, Voice

a Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Florida, 63 Dauer Hall, P.O. Box 117420, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

b Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

c Department of Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA

Corresponding author. Tel.: +1-352-392-2046; fax: +1-352-392-6170

PII: S0165-5876(02)00389-0

doi:10.1016/S0165-5876(02)00389-0

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