The effects of the Linklater Technique for treatment of women with muscle tention dysphonia

Objective: To determine the short term self-perceived, acoustic, and perceptual effects of the first five workday sessions of the Linklater Technique in women with muscle tension dysphonia.;Methods: Two adult women with a diagnosis of muscle tension dysphonia participated in the first five workdays of the Linklater Technique. Data from these women were collected throughout the duration of the study in the form of self-perceived vocal changes through the use of surveys. Acoustic and perceptual changes were estimated by acoustic and perceptual voice analysis pre and post-treatment.;Results: Data from Subject 1 resulted in negative self-perceptions of vocal changes and of the Linklater Technique following participation in the study. Data from Subject 2 demonstrated positive self-perceived vocal changes and of the Linklater Technique following participation in the study, with the amount of perceived vocal tightness being the most positively impacted. While there were acoustic and perceptual changes shown during the post-treatment evaluation, these changes were not judged to be a result of participation in the study.;Conclusions: The self-perceived vocal effects of initial experiences with the Linklater Technique on women with MTD depend upon individual perceptions and comfort level with performing the tasks required of this method.