Introduction: Exercise- Induced Laryngeal Obstruction (EILO) can lead to disabling exercise related dyspnea and hamper participation in physical activity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of a standardized speech therapy protocol as treatment for EILO.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with EILO at our institution were invited to participate. We compared laryngeal findings obtained during a continuous laryngoscopy exercise (CLE) test and questionnaire based self-reported breathing symptoms, before vs. after the treatment intervention. The laryngeal obstruction was characterized using a standardized CLE scoring system (0-12 points).
Results: A total of 28 patients were evaluated. Following speech therapy, the mean reduction in the CLE score was 1.5 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-2.0) points, with the improvement primarily associated with decreased glottic-level obstruction. Twenty-four (86%) patients reported reduced symptoms during exercise. A moderate correlation was observed between changes in CLE scores and subjective symptom improvements.
Conclusion: This study suggests that a standardized speech therapy protocol reduces observed laryngeal obstruction during the CLE test, with the most notable improvement occurring at the glottic level, alongside a parallel reduction in self-reported symptoms of EILO.
Keywords: Dyspnea; EILO; Exercise; Laryngeal obstruction; Speech therapy; Vocal Cord Dysfunction.
© 2025. The Author(s).