PhoRTE is considered a preferred treatment approach for presbyphonia - also known as age-associated voice changes (Bradley et al., 2014). The PhoRTE approach exists within a dose-response continuum of respiratory-phonatory exercises that range from low to high dose. The appropriate dose of therapy to cause a biologic adaptation still requires much attention and, most likely, depends on the patient's vocal and physical condition. With that said, the intensity and volume of PhoRTE exercises should be tailored to the individual patient according to their personal needs. Not all patients require the most intense phonatory-respiratory workout, and some patients may benefit from less intense workouts. With just 5 easy exercises, PhoRTE addresses presumed sarcopenic changes of laryngeal and respiratory musculature. Weekly workout sessions consist of progressively more intense phonatory-respiratory exercise. PhoRTE exercises capitalize on respiratory-phonatory-articulatory interactions to improve expiratory airflow, vocal fold closure, and acoustic power. Stated differently, PhoRTE strives to restore the vocal strength of older adults. Level 1 evidence from a Phase 0/1 Proof-of-Concept Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial (Ziegler et al., 2014) and a Phase 1 Randomized Non-Inferiority Clinical Trial (Belsky et al., 2021) has established PhoRTE's preliminary efficacy, tolerability, feasability, and patient satisfaction
Older adults who completed sessions of PhoRTE:
(A) consistently attended therapy sessions
(B) regularly completed home practice
(C) confidently attributed voice changes to PhoRTE
(D) improved ease of phonation
(E) were satisfied with their voice
(F) experienced better voice-related QoL
