Summary of the Systematic Review

Article Citation

Nonmedical Treatments of Vocal Fold Nodules: A Systematic Review

Mansuri, B., Tohidast, S. A., et al. (2018).
Journal of Voice, 32(5), 609-620.
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Sponsoring Body

Not stated

Article Quality Ratings

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Indicators of Review Quality

Yes The review states a clearly focused question/aim.
Yes Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided.
Yes Search strategy described in sufficient detail for replication.
Yes Included studies are assessed for study quality.
No Quality assessments are reproducible.
Yes Characteristics of the included studies are provided.

Article Details

Description

This is a systematic review investigating the effectiveness of nonmedical treatments of vocal fold nodules in adults.

Questions/Aims Addressed

"To investigate the nonmedical treatments of [vocal fold nodules]" (p. 610)

Population

Adults (≥16 years old) with vocal fold nodules

Intervention/Assessment

Nonmedical treatments; not further specified

Number of Studies Included

Years Included

Up to August 2016

Conclusions from This Systematic Review

What are Conclusions?

Voice

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Treatment

Most included studies were a low level of evidence. Various treatment techniques were described, including vocal hygiene, abuse/misuse reduction, yawn-sign, chewing, establishing new pitch, and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Overall, "in the majority of studies investigated in the present article, nonmedical treatments of [vocal fold nodules] were successful in improving vocal quality, decreasing sizes of vocal fold nodules, and resolving them" (p. 619).

Keywords: Vocal Fold Nodules

Three included studies examined treatment effects at long-term follow-up. Each study demonstrated treatment effects remained.

Keywords: Vocal Fold Nodules