Effectiveness of oral motor respiratory exercise and vocal intonation therapy on respiratory function and vocal quality in patients with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial

This study explores how singing-based exercises can help people with spinal cord injuries improve their breathing and voice quality. It involved two groups: one receiving music therapy incorporating specific oral motor and vocal exercises, and the other receiving standard respiratory training. The music therapy group practiced specific singing techniques to strengthen breathing muscles and control voice. Results were measured using breathing tests, voice assessments, and questionnaires to gauge quality of life. The study found that the music therapy group showed significant improvements in breathing capacity, vocal loudness, and sustained note length, as well as reporting a better quality of life compared to the group that only received standard respiratory training.

• 1
  The intervention group showed a significant increase in inspiratory capacity compared to the control group after 12 weeks of therapy.
• 2
  Sing-loud SPL and sustained note length were significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group at 12 weeks.
• 3
  The St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and quality of life values in the intervention group were significantly superior to those in the control group at 12 weeks.