Improving Vocal Function Using Skin Surface Stimulation on Acupoints: An Alternative Approach for Treatment of Voice Problems

Abstract

Objective To determine the effectiveness of stimulating acupoints in treating vocal nodules and improving vocal functions. Methods A total of 123 dysphonic subjects with a mean age of 38.75 years (SD = 10.33 years) participated in the study. They were randomly assigned to a group which either received no acupuncture, genuine acupuncture, or skin surface stimulation on Renyin (St 9), Lianquan (CV 23), Lieque (Lu 7), Zhaohai (Ki 6) and Hegu (LI 4). Skin surface stimulation involved needles pressing on the acupoints but not penetrating the skin. The intervention involved 12 sessions over a 6-week period. Vocal function analysis using acoustic measurement, voice-related quality of life measurement, and laryngoscopic evaluations were conducted to measure changes over time. Results Subjects receiving genuine acupuncture showed significant improvements in their vocal function (highest fundamental frequency produced), quality of life (Voice Activity and Participation Profile), and size of the vocal nodules following acupuncture treatment when compared to the no-treatment group. The group with skin surface stimulation also demonstrated significant improvement in the vocal function and quality of life. However, the vocal pathologies in the placebo group showed no significant improvement over time. Conclusions Both the genuine acupuncture and the skin surface stimulation improved significantly vocal function and quality of life related to voice. It is evident that only the acupuncture protocol is effective in both treating vocal nodules and improving vocal functions. The skin surface stimulation can be considered as a treatment protocol for improving vocal function in individuals who have inefficient vocal function. Acknowledgement The study was supported by an R-21 grant from the USA National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institute of Health (NIH) (1 R21 AT003879-01).