SPEECH BREATHING IN PATIENTS WITH ADDUCTOR SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA

Ruth Huntley Bahr, Katie Biedess & Marion B. Ridley
University of South Florida

ID 1547
[full paper]

Inductive plethysmography was used to calculate respiratory measures related to volume, timing, thoracic displacement and respiratory efficiency in patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) compared to controls. Results revealed significant differences between groups and across tasks. Those with ADSD had statistically higher ventilation rates, more breaths per minute, a higher degree of muscular inefficiency/breathlessness and labored breathing. Differences between tasks were attributed to a higher cognitive-linguistic demand required during conversational speech. These findings support the idea that individuals with ADSD may experience difficulties with respiration as the effects of their Botox injection dissipate.