Review on Laryngeal Palpation Methods in Muscle Tension Dysphonia: Validity and Reliability Issues

SummaryBackgroundLaryngeal palpation is a common clinical method for the assessment of neck and laryngeal muscles in muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).ObjectiveTo review the available laryngeal palpation methods used in patients with MTD for the assessment, diagnosis, or document of treatment outcomes.Study Design (Method)A systematic review of the literature concerning palpatory methods in MTD was conducted using the databases MEDLINE (PubMed), ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of science, Web of knowledge and Cochrane Library between July and October 2013. Relevant studies were identified by one reviewer based on screened titles/abstracts and full texts. Manual searching was also used to track the source literature.ResultsThere were five main as well as miscellaneous palpation methods that were different according to target anatomical structures, judgment or grading system, and using tasks. There were only a few scales available, and the majority of the palpatory methods were qualitative. Most of the palpatory methods evaluate the tension at both static and dynamic tasks. There was little information about the validity and reliability of the available methods.ConclusionThe literature on the scientific evidence of muscle tension indicators perceived by laryngeal palpation in MTD is scarce. Future studies should be conducted to investigate the validity and reliability of palpation methods.