Effects of Flow Ball Phonation on Professional Voice Users

Efficacy of Flow Ball Phonation in Professional Voice Users

NA · University Ghent · NCT06960772

This study tests whether using a flow ball device can help professional voice users improve their vocal health and performance compared to other voice treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Ghent (other)
Locations1 site (Ghent, East-Flanders)
Trial IDNCT06960772 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of flow ball phonation on the voices of professional voice users and elite vocal performers, focusing on both prevention and treatment of functional voice disorders. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either flow ball intervention, straw phonation, or a sham treatment over a three-week period. The study employs a longitudinal randomized sham-controlled trial design, with assessments conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate vocal performance. The flow ball device offers real-time visual feedback, which may enhance the effectiveness of voice therapy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include professional voice users aged 18 to 60, both with and without functional voice disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with organic voice disorders, those currently undergoing voice therapy, or individuals with certain medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve vocal health and performance in professional voice users, reducing the incidence of voice disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While the flow ball phonation approach is innovative, similar semi-occluded vocal tract exercises have shown promise in other studies, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
OBJECTIVE 1: TREATMENT

Inclusion Criteria:

* All genders
* All ethnicities
* 18 - 60 years
* Diagnosis of a functional voice disorder
* Professional voice users

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of an organic voice disorder
* Current participation in voice therapy
* Previous phonosurgical interventions
* Pregnancy
* Smoking
* Nasal or ear diseases
* Neurological disorders

OBJECTIVE 2: PREVENTION

Inclusion Criteria:

* All genders
* All ethnicities
* 18 - 60 years
* Professional voice users

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current or previous diagnosis of a voice disorder
* Current or previous participation in voice therapy
* Previous phonosurgical interventions
* Pregnancy
* Smoking
* Nasal or ear diseases
* Neurological disorders

Where this trial is running

Ghent, East-Flanders

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Prevention of Voice Disorders in Professional Voice Users, Treatment of Functional Voice Disorders in Professional Voice Users, Flow Ball, SOVTE, professional voice users, Straw Phonation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.