The Use of Oral Motor Exercises among Speech Language Pathologists in Jordan

The paper aims to study the Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) use of oral motor exercises (OMEs) with patients who present with speech disorders. It also assesses the nature and kind of exercises used by these (SLPs). Furthermore, it compares the outcome with other studies targeted oral motor exercises. A conventional sample of 75 (SLPs) in Jordan was handed a survey to fill and (50) participants (67%) completed and returned the surveys. The (SLPs) work in different treatment settings: (clinics, speech centers, universities, and private practice), and they have B.S, M.A., or Ph.D. degree, in Speech and Language Pathology. The (SLPs) experience ranged from two years to twenty years. Results showed that 74% of (SLPs) use (OMEs), which is a very high percentage. The choice of using oral motor exercises was not affected by the level of education or the years of experience. As for the nature of exercises, tongue exercises were used by the majority of (SLPs). Based on the results, it seems that most of the recent studies do not support the use of oral motor exercises. However, more effort is needed in research in order to give a solid proof of the importance/ no value of (OMEs). (SLPs) need studies that are proved clinically by tracking cases in details.

The Use of Nonspeech Oral Motor Exercises in the Treatment of Children With Cleft Palate: A Re-Examination of Available Evidence

Purpose The purpose of this tutorial is to re-examine the current literature on nonspeech oral motor exercise (NSOME) in general and its use in the treatment of children with cleft palate specifically and provide a best practice recommendation. Method The Population Intervention Comparison Outcome process was used to investigate the clinical question. This systematic framework identifies the clinical population, evaluates the intervention(s) applied to the population, assesses the results of interventions, and delineates the outcome. A literature search, which examined developmental research, applied clinical research, and systematic treatment reviews, was conducted for this purpose. Results The literature reviewed herein suggests that, on a number of different levels, the implementation of NSOME s does not result in positive communication outcomes for children with cleft palate who present with velopharyngeal dysfunction or compensatory speech errors. Conclusion Based on the current review, there is no empirical support for the use of NSOME as a direct or adjunct treatment for velopharyngeal dysfunction or compensatory speech errors. Appropriate treatments for these communication disorders include surgical, dental, and speech-based interventions.

Tutorial: Motor-Based Treatment Strategies for /r/ Distortions

Purpose This tutorial summarizes current best practices in treating American English /r/ distortions in children with residual speech errors. Method To enhance the effectiveness of clinicians' cueing and feedback, the phonetics of /r/ production is reviewed. Principles of acquisition, which can inform how to practice /r/ in the early stages of therapy, are explained. Elements of therapy that lack scientific support are also mentioned. Results Although there is significant variability in /r/ production, the common articulatory requirements include an oral constriction, a pharyngeal constriction, tongue body lowering, lateral bracing, and slight lip rounding. Examples of phonetic cues and shaping strategies are provided to help clinicians elicit these movements to evoke correct /r/ productions. Principles of acquisition (e.g., blocked practice, frequent knowledge of performance feedback) are reviewed to help clinicians structure the earliest stages of treatment to establish /r/. Examples of approaches that currently lack scientific support include nonspeech oral motor exercises, tactile cues along the mylohyoid muscle, and heterogeneous groupings in group therapy. Conclusion Treatment strategies informed by phonetic science and motor learning theory can be implemented by all clinicians to enhance acquisition of /r/ for children with residual errors. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.12771329

Treatment of Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease: A Systematic Review

The incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia in Parkinson’s disease (PD) is very high. It is necessary to search for effective therapies that could prevent pneumonia. Previous results should be interpreted cautiously as there is a lack of evidence to support the use of compensatory or rehabilitative approaches to dysphagia. We reviewed the scientific literature to describe the treatments of dysphagia in PD. A systematic review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, and Medline according to PRISMA standards in 2018. The articles that did not mention dysphagia secondary to PD or used surgical treatment were excluded. Eleven articles met the criteria with information from 402 patients. The review relates to different protocols, such as training in expiratory muscle strength, postural techniques, oral motor exercises, video-assisted swallowing therapy, surface electrical stimulation, thermal stimulation, touch, compensatory interventions, training regime for swallowing, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, Lee Silverman voice treatment, swallow maneuver, airway protection, and postural compensation maneuvers. This review identifies the rationing interventions in each trial, if they are efficient and equitable. Several rehabilitative therapies have been successful. An improvement was seen in the degenerative function (coordination, speed, and volume), quality of life, and social relationships of people with PD. Further investigations concerning the clinical applicability of these therapies based on well-designed randomized controlled studies are needed. Larger patient populations need to be recruited to evaluate the effectiveness, long-term effects, and new treatment techniques.

A survey of speech-language pathology treatment for non-progressive dysarthria in Australia

Aim:To identify management practices of Australian speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in the treatment of non-progressive dysarthria using a subsystem approach, and to explore SLPs’ consideration and implementation of the theoretical underpinnings of non-progressive dysarthria management.Method:A 39-item online survey was distributed to Australian SLPs, with 80 responses suitable for data analysis.Results:Practices of SLPs were variable for the management of the speech subsystems. The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT®) was the most commonly used manualised treatment program, and was employed by 63.77% of respondents. Almost all SLPs (>88%) provided strategies to improve functional communication. There was no clear preference for low tech alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices. Speech generating devices were the most commonly employed high tech device. Almost two-thirds of respondents used non-speech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) in treatment. SLPs had varied frequencies and models of service delivery for intervention. SLPs valued interventions targeting the activity and participation domains of the ICF, however this was restricted by the treatment context and resources available. The majority of SLPs (92.06%) were aware of the principles of motor learning, however many were unsure regarding the specifics of implementation.Conclusion:There is a clear need for further research into the efficacy of treatment techniques to guide decision-making.

The Correlation Between Non-Speech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOME) and Speech Production in Childhood Apraxia of Speech Treatment. A Wide Clinical Retrospective Research

Purpose: The use of Non speech Oral Motor Exercises (NSOME) for motor speech sounds disorder treatment has been discussed in the literature in the last three decades, with most of the research presenting poor results for using NSOME. The purpose of this article was to add evidence related to that debate and show the correlations between NSOME and sound production among children diagnosed with Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS). Another goal is to clarify the misuse of the term in clinical settings and literature, while presenting solutions to the debate. Method: 256 VML entry evaluations and 89 long term treatment processes were analysed retrospectively. The correlations between Single Sound Pronunciation (SSP) and NSOME variables (i.e. blowing, oral motor imitation and tongue movements) were calculated using the entry evaluation group, as well as the correlations between the changes in SSP and NSOME variables using the long-term group. Results: High correlations were found between NSOME variables and SSP in both groups tested. Conclusions: The results confirmed the relationship between oral motor skills and sound production. Theoretical explanations and practical implications are further discussed.