Laryngeal taping as a supportive tool to relieve voice fatigue: a pilot study

Aim of this report is to perform a preliminary evaluation of the role of taping in the improvement of phonastenia among occupational voice users. Seven singers complaining voice fatigue underwent taping in the peri-larygeal areas of the anterior neck for 10 days. Taping effects were estimated by the evaluation of voice analysis parameters (jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio and singing power ratio) performed in M1 and M2 mechanisms with PRAAT software before and after treatment.In addition, a subjective assessment of phonastenia was performed using the Voice Fatigue Handicap Index (VFHI), a selfadministrated questionnaire. According to the statistical analysis jitter and Noise to Harmonic ratio were the parameters mainly influenced. VFHI before and after treatment showed statistically significant values, possibly reflecting the overall positive enhancement of treatment. These encouraging results suggest possible beneficial effects of laryngeal taping on relieving voice fatigue. Since, the application of muscular taping in phoniatrics is still in its early stage, further studies and in particular, a standardized protocol of application could facilitate the spread of this technique, also offering help in comparing outcomes.