Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
This study aims to explore the feasibility of incorporating regular guided meditations via immersive virtual reality (IVR) at the start of voice therapy sessions to facilitate better learning and retention of treatment. The study will involve 30 participants, and use the TRIPP application with the Meta Quest 2 virtual reality headset, known for its immersive meditation experiences designed to calm or focus the user. The objective is to investigate the immediate effects of meditation/mindfulness in IVR on vocal production, with the goal of improving self-regulation, attentional focus, and reducing vocal hyperfunction. IVR has been utilized in mental health settings and exposure therapy for various conditions, but its application in voice therapy, particularly for anxiety reduction through fully immersive meditation, remains unexplored. The study seeks to determine whether IVR can enhance therapy outcomes by improving engagement, attention, and vocal control in individuals undergoing voice therapy, potentially maximizing treatment gains. Through this research, the aim is to assess the efficacy of IVR in enhancing voice therapy interventions and addressing the unique challenges posed by stress and anxiety in voice users.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with voice disorders, difficulties or laryngeal hypersensitivity, and who also have anxiety * Must have availability to participate for entire course of 5 consistent weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Anyone not meeting inclusion criteria * Presence of any additional medical condition significantly affecting: * Respiratory function (e.g., advanced lung disease) * Laryngeal function (e.g., status-post deep brain stimulation) * Lingual function * Velopharyngeal function (e.g., laryngectomy)
All patients will receive a course of voice therapy as normal.
Meditation at the start of each session. (each session is 30 minutes)
TRIPP application in the Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality Headset.