Validation of the OMNI vocal effort scale in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia. (12th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shoffel‐Havakuk, Hagit; Marks, Katherine L.; Morton, Mariah; Johns, Michael M.; Hapner, Edie R.
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope. Volume 129:Number 2(2019)
• Page Start: 448
• Page End: 453
• Publication Date: 2018-10-12
• Subjects: Spasmodic dysphonia -- adductor spasmodic dysphonia -- botulinum toxin -- vocal effort -- OMNI Vocal Effort Scale; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51005
• DOI: 10.1002/lary.27430
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0023-852X

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To establish the validity of the OMNI Vocal Effort Scale (OMNI‐VES) for resistance exercise, a single‐question pictorial scale, in voice‐related perceived exertion. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the role of the OMNI‐VES as an outcome measurement in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD). Methods: A prospective validation study was conducted on 226 participants. The case group was comprised of 178 patients receiving botulinum toxin (BTX) injections for ADSD and 48 controls without a voice disorder. Prior to a planned injection, the participants were asked to complete the OMNI‐VES and the Voice‐Related Quality‐of‐Life (V‐RQOL) questionnaires, and the clinician completed the Consensus Auditory‐Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE‐V). A subgroup of 17 patients were administered a repeat assessment 1 month after injection. Results: There was a weak correlation between the OMNI‐VES and the V‐RQOL score (Tau‐b = −0.252, P < 0.001), and no significant correlation with the CAPE‐V. Participants with ADSD had significantly higher OMNI‐VES scores compared with normal controls, 5.07 ± 2.18 and 1.47 ± 2.28, respectively ( P value < 0.0001). The average OMNI‐VES score significantly improved 1 month following a BTX injection, from 6 ± 2.4 to 3.4 ± 2.8 ( P value = 0.0003). Eighty‐eight percent of the patients demonstrated a decrease in the OMNI‐VES score following injection, whereas only 47% demonstrated an improvement in the V‐RQOL score. Conclusion: The OMNI‐VES is a validated tool for rating perceived voice‐related exertion in people with ADSD and can be used for evaluating response to BTX injection treatment. Level of Evidence: 2b Laryngoscope, 129:448–453, 2019