The role of early voice therapy in the incidence of motility recovery in unilateral vocal fold paralysis

Objectives. Vocal fold paralysis can have a significant impact on a patient's quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze, in terms of vocal improvement and motility recovery, the post-vocal treatment results of patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) who underwent early voice therapy. Study design. A 7 years prospective study of patients with an UVFP who underwent our multidimensional diagnostic-therapeutic assessment. Material and Methods. Seventy-four patients with UVFP were included in the study. All patients underwent a voice therapy based on forcible exercises supplemented by manipulations and maneuvers. A pre and post-treatment objective voice evaluation and self-assessment was made. Results: Out of 74 patients with UVFP, 51 (68.9%) recovered vocal fold motility. In 23 (31.1%), UVFP persisted after voice therapy. In this group of patients, a complete glottal closure was seen in 5 before voice therapy and in 13 after; An important and significant (p