Understanding Voice Problems from Muscle Tension
Sensory Mechanisms in Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11140975
This research aims to understand why people with muscle tension dysphonia experience vocal fatigue and discomfort, even when their vocal muscles don't show obvious issues.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11140975 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people experience primary muscle tension dysphonia (pMTD), a voice disorder that makes daily life, work, and overall well-being difficult. While it causes significant hardship, we don't fully understand what causes symptoms like vocal fatigue, discomfort, and difficulty speaking loudly or for long periods. This project explores whether sensory experiences, rather than just muscle tension, play a key role in these symptoms. By looking at how patients perceive their voice and vocal tract, we hope to uncover new insights into the condition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future studies would be individuals experiencing primary muscle tension dysphonia and its associated symptoms like vocal fatigue and discomfort.
Not a fit: Patients with voice disorders caused by structural issues, neurological conditions, or other known organic problems may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat muscle tension dysphonia, offering better relief for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from the lead researcher's lab has shown that patients with muscle tension dysphonia report different sensory experiences, suggesting this is a promising, yet largely unexplored, area.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHEMBEL, ADRIANNA — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SHEMBEL, ADRIANNA
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.