Analysis of cumulative risk predictors for persistent stuttering: family perception and amount of speech disruptions

PURPOSE

To investigate two independent variables considered as two possible predictors of cumulative risk for persistent stuttering: family perception of stuttering and amount of speech disruptions.

METHODS

Participants were 452 children, aged 3 to 11:11 years, male and female, divided into 4 groups: group 1 (SCG), composed of 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and family complaint of stuttering; group 2 (SWCG), 42 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and without family complaint of stuttering; group 3 (FCG), 94 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2. 9% with family complaints of stuttering and group 4 (FWCG), 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2.9 without family complaints of stuttering.

RESULTS

For the SCG group, there was a significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions typical of stuttering. In this group, there was a predominance of male children. For the SWCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FWCG group, there was a significant relation between the absence of a family complaint of stuttering and the reduced number of speech disruptions.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of speech disruptions ≥ 3% is a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. The percentage of speech disruptions ≤ 2.9% associated with syllable and sound repetitions can be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of syllable and sound repetitions may be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of stuttering alone should not be considered an indicator of persistent stuttering.

Correlation between findings of the oral myofunctional clinical assessment, pressure and electromyographic activity of the tongue during swallowing in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders

PURPOSE

To correlate the findings regarding the myofunctional orofacial examination, tongue pressure and surface electromyography (sEMG) of deglutition in individuals with different orofacial myofunctional disorders.

METHODS

44 patients (20 males and 24 females, aged between 17 and 63 years old) with different orofacial myofunctional changes were clinically assessed using the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E). In addition, the range of mandibular movements and facial anthropometry were measured, along with the assessment of the tongue pressure (tip and dorsum) and of the electrical activity of the suprahyoid muscles during deglutition, using surface electromyography (sEMG).

RESULTS

The statistical analysis found weak correlations between tongue dorsum pressure values, suggesting that the greater the measurement of the lower third of the face, the lower the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the greater the measurement of the overlaps (vertical and horizontal), the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; the higher the score from the orofacial evaluation and orofacial functions assessment, the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum; and the higher the pressure of the tongue dorsum, the higher the pressure of the tongue tip.

CONCLUSION

The present study results indicate that the orofacial myofunctional changes found in different groups of patients are more related to the maxillomandibular discrepancies than to the pathologies investigated herein.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation).

RESULTS

The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome.

CONCLUSION

The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

Risk factors independently associated with the maintenance of severe restriction of oral intake and alternative feeding method indication at hospital outcome in patients after acute ischemic stroke

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

From a clinical point of view, post-stroke patients present difficulties in swallowing management. The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake in patients affected by acute ischemic stroke.

METHODS

The authors conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients with dysphagia post-acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to an Emergency Room (ER). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ER admission. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at the patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment (at hospital outcome): G1 with severe restriction of oral intake and indication of feeding tube - patients with FOIS levels 1 to 4; G2 without restriction of food consistencies in oral intake - patients with FOIS levels 5 to 7.

RESULTS

One hundred and six patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of maintenance of a severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome in patients post-acute ischemic stroke indicated that increasing age (p = 0.006), and dysarthria (p = 0.003) were associated with higher chances of presenting severe restriction of oral intake at hospital outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with acute ischemic stroke in an Emergency Room may experience non-resolved severe dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.

Clinical Manifestation of Nebulin-Associated Nemaline Myopathy

Background and Objectives

Nemaline myopathy (NM) is a genetically heterogeneous inherited myopathy related with at least 12 genes, whereas pathogenic variants in NEB gene are the most common genetic cause. The clinical spectrum of NM caused by NEB pathogenic variants (NM-NEB) is very broad, ranging from mild to severe presentations manifesting with generalized weakness, as well as respiratory and bulbar involvement. There is currently not enough data regarding the progression of the disease. In this study, we present a genotypic and phenotypic spectrum of 33 patients with NM caused by NEB variants (NM-NEB) classified according to age groups and the use of ventilatory support. We focused on interventional support, genotype-phenotype correlation, and association between respiratory, bulbar, and motor systems in groups of patients stratified by age and by the use of ventilatory support (VS).

Methods

Clinical and genetic data from patients with NM-NEB followed up in one specialized center were collected through regular consultations. Patients were evaluated regarding motor, bulbar, and respiratory functions.

Results

Thirty-three patients with NM-NEB were evaluated consisting of 15 females and 18 males with an average age of 18 (±12) years and a median of 17 (±11) years. 32% of patients with NM-NEB used a G tube, 35% were not able to walk without support, and 55% needed VS. Scoliosis and dysphagia were more common among patients who used VS. Described for the first time, half of the patients presented tongue atrophy in a triple furrow pattern, and the presence of the atrophy was associated with dysphagia. Comparing the patients grouped by age, we found that, proportionally, older patients had more scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction than younger groups, suggesting the progression of the disease in these domains. In addition to that, we showed that VS use was associated with scoliosis and dysphagia.

Discussion

NM-NEB is a very debilitating disease. There is an association between scoliosis and respiratory dysfunction while patients using VS have more often scoliosis than the no-VS group. Triple furrow tongue atrophy is a novel and frequent finding, which is directly associated with dysphagia. Grouping patients by age suggested disease stability in motor and swallow function, but a progression in respiratory dysfunction and skeletal deformities. All observations are relevant in the management care of patients with NM.

Risk Factors for the Development of Persistent Stuttering: What Every Pediatrician Should Know

Early identification and adequate treatment of children who stutter is important, since it has an impact on speech development. Considering the importance of aiding pediatricians to recognize children at risk for developing persistent stuttering, the aim of the present study was to correlate speech fluency characteristics of children, whose parents reported stuttering behaviors, to the risk factors of persistent stuttering. The participants were 419 children aged 2:0 to 11:11 years, who were divided into two groups: children with stuttering complaints (CSC), composed of children whose parents reported the presence of stuttering behaviors; and children with no stuttering complaint (CNSCs), composed of children with no stuttering behaviors. Risk variables were gathered based on a questionnaire answered by parents involving the following variables: sex, presence of family history of stuttering, whether stuttering behaviors were observed for more than 12 months, whether stuttering behaviors began before 5 years of age, increased effort to speak (i.e., syllable and sound repetitions and fixed articulatory positions), negative family attitude towards the child’s speech, and negative attitude towards the child’s own speech. The diagnosis of stuttering was determined by a formal speech assessment by a pathologist (SLP). The risk analysis indicated that increased effort to speak, negative family attitude towards the child’s speech, and complaints of stuttering for more than 12 months were associated with a higher risk of stuttering in children. Therefore, when pediatricians are faced with complaints about the presence of stuttering behaviors and these factors are present, they should immediately refer the patient to an SLP for specific assessment.

The effects of treatment timing on the management of patients with multiple facial fractures and on the self-perception of TMD recovery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of time on the orofacial functions and on the self-perception of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) recovery in a population of patients with multiple facial fractures.

METHODS

Orofacial functions and self-perception of TMD recovery was verified in patients with midface and/or lower face fractures. Patients were divided according to the time between fracture reduction and the clinical assessments: 0-1 month (Group 1), 1-3 months (Group 2), and 15 >3 months (Group 3).

RESULTS

Patients in Group 1 presented a greater compromise of swallowing and mastication when compared to patients with older fractures (p = 0.015), whereas patients in Group 3 presented a poorer TMD recovery (TMJ pain: p = 0.010 and tinnitus: p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Delays in functional treatments involving the myofunctional orofacial system have a negative impact on the recovery of essential orofacial functions and on TMD symptoms..

Decannulation: a retrospective cohort study of clinical and swallowing indicators of success

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and swallowing indicators related to a successful decannulation process during the hospital stay.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort clinical study. The study sample comprised a heterogeneous patient population who had submitted to a tracheostomy procedure in a tertiary hospital. Patients were divided into two groups (decannulated vs. non-decannulated) and compared not only in terms of demographic and clinical data but also the results of a swallowing assessment and intervention outcome.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients were included in the present study: 25 (39%) who had been successfully decannulated, and 39 (61%) who could not be decannulated. Between-group comparisons indicated that both groups presented similar clinical and demographic characteristics. The groups also presented similar swallowing assessment results prior to intervention. However, significant differences were observed regarding the time to begin swallowing rehabilitation. The decannulated group was assessed nine days earlier than the non-decannulated group. Other significant differences included the removal of the alternate feeding method (72.0% of decannulated patients vs. 5.1% of non-decannulated patients) and the reintroduction of oral feeding (96.0% of decannulated patients vs. 41.0% of non-decannulated patients) and functional swallowing level at patient disclosure. The non-decannulated patient group presented higher death rates at disclosure.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study indicated that the following parameters were associated with a successful decannulation process: early swallowing assessment, swallowing rehabilitation, and improvement in the swallowing functional level during the hospital stay. The maintenance of low swallowing functional levels was found to be negatively associated with successful decannulation.

Linguistic-Cognitive Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: An Exploratory Study

Background

Acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent cancer of childhood. Impairment in linguistic and memory skills is a possible late sequela in cancer survivors that can limit their quality of life and the overall performance of the individual in society. There is evidence that survivors of ALL treated exclusively with chemotherapy demonstrate significant differences in long-term linguistic and memory functions and also changes in neuroanatomical integrity. However, most studies described do not count on a speech-language pathologist in their team, which we consider important to discuss. Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess memory and vocabulary skills in the pediatric population diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia during chemotherapy treatment.

Materials and Methods

An observational cohort study was conducted over a 1.8-year period. Participants of this research were children diagnosed with ALL. All participants were assessed on their linguistic-cognitive skills (ie, vocabulary, short-term memory and lexical access). All data underwent statistical analyses.

Results

The results of the current study found no major significant difference in the linguistic-cognitive performance of children with ALL and their healthy controls. Regarding the linguistic variables, we believe that there should be a differentiation between the effects of the drugs and the effects of social communication skills on performance.

Conclusion

This first characterization of the linguistic-cognitive abilities of children with ALL did not identify differences between these children and their healthy peers, although we were able to identify variables regarding the multidisciplinary team and social communication that should be considered in future studies.

Diagnostic precision for bronchopulmonary aspiration in a heterogeneous population

PURPOSE

The purpose of the present study was to assess the validity of a simple instrument for screening dysphagia used in a large public hospital in Brazil with heterogeneous adult population.

METHOD

The Dysphagia Risk Evaluation Protocol (DREP) - screening version contains four items (altered cervical auscultation, altered vocal quality, coughing and choking before / during / after swallowing) that were previously indicated as independent risk factors associated to the presence of dysphagia in the swallowing test with water. Trained speech therapists administered and scored DREP - screening version to consecutive patients referred by hospital's medical team to perform Video Fluoroscopic for Swallowing Study (VFSS).

RESULTS

211 patients received the swallowing screen (DREP): 99 failed and 112 passed. One in every five patients was randomized to receive a VFSS. The DREP screening version demonstrated excellent validity with sensitivity at 92.9%, specificity at 75.0%, negative predictive values at 95.5% and an accuracy of 80.9%.

CONCLUSION

The DREP - screening version is a simple and accurate tool to identify the risk for penetration and / or aspiration in patients who are not tube-fed, who have a good level of alertness, have no history of recurrent pneumonia, are not on pneumonia, and that do not use a tracheostomy cannula.

Functional development of swallowing in ICU patients with COVID-19

PURPOSE

to describe de functional development of swallowing in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19, who were submitted to a swallowing intervention.

METHODS

participants of the study were 77 patients (both gender, mean age 53.4±15.9; score on the Glasgow Coma Scale ≥14 and stable respiratory condition). The functional scale of swallowing used for assessment was the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS).

RESULTS

the results indicate that there was a significant recovery of the functional swallowing patterns when comparing the measurements pre and post swallowing intervention.

CONCLUSION

83% of the patients needed up to 3 swallowing interventions to recover a safe swallowing pattern.

Orofacial rehabilitation after severe orofacial and neck burn: Experience in a Brazilian burn reference centre

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the benefits of a functional oral rehabilitation program for impairment caused by full thickness orofacial and neck burns, comparing the effects of early and late intervention.

METHODS

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in a burn reference center over a two-year period. Patients with full thickness orofacial and neck burns were divided in two groups: Group 1 was composed by 14 patients who began the rehabilitation program 3-12 months after the burn injury; Group 2 was composed by 15 patients who began the rehabilitation program more than 12 months after the burn injury. Treatment was based on current strategies of non-surgical exercises for orofacial contracture management. Outcome measurements included an oral motor clinical evaluation and the assessment of the mandibular range of movement.

RESULTS

The functional rehabilitation program was effective in reestablishing the oral motor functions (i.e deficits reduced to approximately 15% when compared to the optimal possible scores) and in restoring horizontal mouth opening dimensions, with more than 70% of the patients presenting measurements within the expected normal limits at the end of treatment. Our results did not indicate differences in performance between the group of patients in neither set of assessments, i.e. pre and post treatment (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that non-invasive orofacial contracture management is effective for patients with orofacial and neck burns, including those with long term sequelae.

The taping method effects on the trapezius muscle in healthy adults

PURPOSE

To verify the elastic therapeutic tape effects on the trapezius muscle in healthy adults, using data from surface electromyography and a self-reported questionnaire.

METHODS

A total of 51 across sex healthy adults were enrolled in this study, whose age range was 20 to 35 years.. The individuals were divided into three groups: G1, who wore the elastic therapeutic tape applied with tension; G2, who wore the elastic therapeutic tape applied with no tension; and G3, control group, who did not wear the elastic therapeutic tape. The elastic therapeutic tape was bilaterally applied on the trapezius muscle. For measuring results, surface electromyography signals were collected before, while and after the elastic therapeutic tape was worn, and a qualitative questionnaire was applied.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in either pre- or post-electromyography findings within each group, or when groups were compared. When comparing G1 and G2 moments before and while the elastic therapeutic tape was worn, a statistically significant difference was noted during the maximum voluntary contraction variable on the individuals' left side. When answering the questionnaire, most individuals mentioned a relaxing feeling while wearing the elastic therapeutic tape.

CONCLUSION

The individuals wearing the elastic therapeutic tape in this sample did not present any significant differences during the surface electromyography assessment. As for the questionnaire, most of the individuals investigated reported a relaxing feeling after wearing the elastic therapeutic tape.

Clinical swallowing prognostic indicators in patients with acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE

A swallowing disorder is present in more than 50% of patients with acute stroke. To identify clinical prognostic indicators of the swallowing function in a population with acute ischemic stroke and to determine prioritization indicators for swallowing rehabilitation.

METHODS

Participants were adults admitted to the emergency room who were diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke. Data gathering involved a swallowing assessment to determine the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS) and the verification of demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

The study sample included 295 patients. For analysis purposes, patients were grouped as follows: ASHA NOMS levels 1 and 2 - ASHA1 (n = 51); levels 3, 4 and 5 - ASHA2 (n = 96); levels 6 and 7 - ASHA3 (n = 148). Statistical analyses indicated that patients who presented a poorer swallowing function (ASHA1) were older (age ≥ 70 years); had anterior circulation infarct; had lower scores on the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS ≤ 14 points); took longer to initiate swallowing rehabilitation; had longer hospital stays; made more use of alternative feeding methods; needed more sessions of swallowing rehabilitation to remove alternate feeding methods; took longer to return to oral feeding and had poorer outcomes (fewer individuals discharged from swallowing rehabilitation sessions and increased mortality).

CONCLUSION

Patients with acute ischemic stroke, admitted to the emergency room, aged ≥ 70 years, score on the GCS ≤ 14, anterior circulation infarct and dementia should be prioritized for swallowing assessment and rehabilitation.

Comparison between the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in ICU patients with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

PURPOSE

To characterize and compare the functional aspects of swallowing and clinical markers in intensive care patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

METHODS

Participants of this study were 113 adults diagnosed with TBI. Data collection stage involved: clinical assessment of the risk for bronchoaspiration performed by a speech-language therapist; assessment of the functional level of swallowing (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS ); assessment of the patient' health status (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment - SOFA).

RESULTS

After the inclusion criteria were applied, patients were grouped according to their swallowing functional level: levels 1 and 2 - ASHA1 (n=25); levels 3, 4 and 5 - ASHA2 (n=37); levels 6 and 7 - ASHA3 (n=51). The statistical analyses indicated the following significant results: the ASHA3 group presented lower severity levels of TBI at the clinical assessment of bronchoaspiration, remained less time intubated (approximately um third less than the more severe group), remained fewer days in hospital and needed less therapy sessions to return to safe oral feeding. The clinical predictor signs for bronchoaspiration that best characterized the groups were the presence of altered auscultation and the presence of coughing after swallowing. Patients in the ASHA3 group presented these signs less frequently.

CONCLUSION

The score obtained on the SOFA and the time of orotracheal intubation were identified as the prognostic indicators of functional swallowing. The presence of altered cervical auscultation and coughing were clinical predictors of dysphagia.

Correlação entre escalas de avaliação da cicatrização e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes com queimaduras de cabeça e pescoço

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar a correlação entre duas escalas para avaliação das cicatrizes pós-queimaduras com as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais em pacientes queimados. Método Participaram do estudo 16 adultos com sequelas de queimaduras de terceiro grau em cabeça e pescoço. As etapas de coleta de dados envolveram: aplicação das escalas de avaliação da cicatrização Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) e Vancouver Scar Scale, aplicação da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandidos (AMIOFE-E) e avaliação da mobilidade mandibular. Resultados Os resultados indicaram correlação negativa moderada entre os itens de deglutição, respiração, escore total de funções e escore total na AMIOFE-E e as escalas de cicatriz, indicando que, quanto mais grave a pontuação nessas escalas, menor a pontuação nos itens do AMIOFE-E (indicativo de maior alteração). Não foram observadas correlações entre os itens da avaliação clínica da motricidade orofacial e a escala de gravidade da cicatriz preenchida pelos pacientes. Conclusão Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que existe uma correlação entre a gravidade da cicatriz de pacientes queimados, medida por meio de escalas médicas, e as alterações miofuncionais orofaciais. Pacientes que apresentarem pontuação indicativa de cicatrizes patológicas em região de cabeça e pescoço devem ser imediatamente encaminhados para avaliação miofuncional orofacial.

Critérios para decanulação da traqueostomia: revisão de literatura

RESUMO Objetivo Realizar um levantamento bibliográfico a respeito da decanulação da traqueostomia para verificar os fatores e protocolos utilizados em estudos internacionais. Estratégia de pesquisa Estudo de revisão de literatura utilizando a base de dados PubMed com os descritores em língua inglesa “Tracheostomy”, “Weaning”, “Decannulation”, “Removal tube”, “Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences”, “Intensive Care Units”, “Dysphagia”, “Swallowing”, “Deglutition” e “Deglutition Disorders”. Critérios de seleção Estudos publicados nos últimos cinco anos (2012 a 2017), com população acima de 18 anos de idade; pesquisas realizadas somente com seres humanos; artigos publicados em língua inglesa; artigos com acesso completo irrestrito; pesquisas relacionadas aos objetivos do estudo. Análise dos dados foram analisados quanto aos seguintes itens: caracterização da amostra; profissionais envolvidos no processo da decanulação; etapas do processo de decanulação; tempo total em dias de uso da traqueostomia; tempo total em dias para concluir processo de decanulação; fatores de insucesso para conclusão do processo de decanulação. Resultados A maior parte da população estudada foi do gênero masculino e com alterações neurológicas. Dos profissionais envolvidos no processo de decanulação, participaram em ordem decrescente médicos, fonoaudiólogos, fisioterapeutas e enfermeiros. As etapas da decanulação mais citadas foram: avaliação da deglutição; treino de oclusão; avaliação da permeabilidade de passagem do ar; habilidade de manipulação de secreção e troca de cânula; desinsuflação do cuff e treino de tosse; uso de válvula de fala. Além disso, obtiveram-se dados a respeito do tempo total de traqueostomia e de decanulação. Conclusão A presença do fonoaudiólogo é extremamente importante no processo de decanulação, visto que a avaliação da deglutição foi a etapa mais citada nos estudos, sendo esse trabalho realizado em conjunto com médicos e fisioterapeutas.

Reabilitação motora orofacial em queimaduras em cabeça e pescoço: uma revisão sistemática de literatura

RESUMO Objetivos Investigar estudos sobre o tratamento das queimaduras em cabeça e pescoço, nas diversas áreas da saúde envolvidas na assistência a queimados (médica, enfermagem, fonoaudiologia, fisioterapia e terapia ocupacional), avaliando a eficácia das técnicas empregadas, principalmente no que se refere à reabilitação da funcionalidade da musculatura em cabeça e pescoço. Estratégia de pesquisa Os artigos foram selecionados por meio da base de dados PubMed, utilizando os descritores “burn and face and speech-language pathology”, “burn and face and speech language”, “burn and face and rehabilitation”, “burn and face and myofunctional rehabilitation”, “burn and face and myofunctional therapy”, “nonsurgical and scar and management”, “burn and face and nonsurgical” e “burn and face and scar and management”. Critérios de seleção Foram incluídos artigos que investigaram os tratamentos das queimaduras em cabeça e pescoço, associados à reabilitação da funcionalidade da musculatura em cabeça e pescoço, utilizando exercícios musculares e/ou terapias manuais. Resultados A maioria dos tratamentos descritos apresentou efeitos benéficos para pacientes com queimaduras. Foi observada grande variabilidade da metodologia adotada para a aplicação e verificação dos efeitos dos tratamentos. Conclusão Apesar do crescente número de pesquisas, ainda não existe consenso quanto à melhor técnica terapêutica e ao real benefício de cada uma delas. Existe uma grande diversidade nos protocolos de tratamento, sendo que um número pequeno de estudos de tratamento visa a funcionalidade do sistema miofuncional orofacial. A maioria dos estudos tem, como foco, atividades motoras isoladas, que visam à mobilidade mandibular.

Evaluation and classification of post-extubation dysphagia in critically ill patients

OBJECTIVE

to identify factors associated with dysphagia in patients undergoing prolonged orotracheal intubation (pOTI) and the post-extubation consequences.

METHODS

150 patients undergoing pOTI participated in the study, evaluated according to the deglutition functional level (American Speech Language - Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System - ASHA NOMS), severity determination (The Simplified Acute Physiology Score - SOFA) and submitted to collection of variables age, mortality, days of orotracheal intubation, number of sessions to introduce oral diet, and days to hospital discharge. We grouped patients according to ASHA classification: 1 (levels 1 and 2), 2 (levels 3, 4 and 5) and 3 (levels 6 and 7).

RESULTS

the variables associated with impaired deglutition functionality were age (p<0.001), mortality (p<0.003), OTI days (p=0.001), number of sessions to introduce oral diet (p<0.001) and days to hospital discharge (p=0.018). Multiple comparisons indicated significant difference between ASHA1 and ASHA2 groups in relation to ASHA3 group. ASHA1 and ASHA2 groups had a lower SOFA score when compared with the ASHA3 group (p=0.004). Only 20% of ASHA1 patients and 32% of ASHA2 patients presented safe deglutition levels before discharge.

CONCLUSION

factors associated with dysphagia in patients submitted to pOTI were age over 55 years and orotracheal intubation time (greater in the cases with worse deglutition functionality). The post-extubation consequences were increased mortality and length of hospital stay in the presence of dysphagia.

Frequency of speech disruptions in Parkinson's Disease and developmental stuttering: A comparison among speech tasks

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the frequency of speech disruptions across different speech tasks, comparing the performance of individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD) and DS.

METHOD

Participants were 20 people with PD, 20 people with DS and 40 fluent individuals. Speech samples were recorded during monologue speech, choral and solo oral reading. Transcriptions of 200 fluent syllables were performed to identify stuttering-like disfluencies (SLDs) and other disfluencies (ODs).

RESULTS

People with PD presented significantly less speech disruptions when compared to people with DS, but significantly more speech disruptions than the control group. Stuttering-like disfluencies ocurred more frequently during monologue speech and solo oral reading for both PD and DS, whereas the control group did not present difference between these tasks.

CONCLUSION

The stuttering pattern presented by people with PD is different from what is usually described as being neurogenic stuttering.

Tratamento para disfunções temporomandibulares: uma revisão sistemática

RESUMO Introdução: A disfunção temporomandibular (DTM) é complexa e multifatorial. São encontrados, na literatura, estudos que comparam diferentes métodos de tratamento. Objetivo: Investigar estudos sobre o tratamento das disfunções temporomandibulares (DTMs) nas diversas áreas da saúde, avaliando a eficácia das técnicas empregadas, principalmente no que se refere ao uso da terapia miofuncional orofacial. Estratégia de pesquisa: Os artigos compilados neste estudo foram selecionados por meio da base de dados PubMed, utilizando os descritores “temporomandibular disorders and oral motor therapy”, “orofacial myofunctional therapy and temporomandibular disorders” e “temporomandibular disorders and myofunctional rehabilitation”. O levantamento realizado limitou-se aos artigos publicado nos idiomas Inglês e Português, entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2016. Critérios de seleção: Foram incluídos artigos sobre os tratamentos das DTMs associados aos exercícios musculares e/ou terapias manuais. Publicações sem acesso completo, repetidas por sobreposição das palavras-chave, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e não relacionadas diretamente ao tema foram excluídas. Resultados: Dos 102 estudos selecionados, 22 atenderam aos critérios estabelecidos. Em geral, a maioria dos tratamentos descritos apresentou efeitos benéficos para pacientes com DTMs. Foi observada grande variabilidade da metodologia adotada para a aplicação e verificação dos efeitos dos tratamentos e somente poucos estudos fizeram uso de grupo controle. Conclusão: Apesar do crescimento no número de pesquisas sobre DTMs, ainda não é possível estabelecer qual a melhor técnica de tratamento. Após análise dos artigos selecionados, observou-se que as técnicas combinadas de terapia (ex.: exercício associado ao uso de equipamento para redução da dor) produzem melhores resultados, com maior redução da dor e melhora da mobilidade mandibular.

Ataxia Telangiectasia in Siblings: Oral Motor and Swallowing Characterization

Case series

Patient: Male, 23 • Female, 20

Final Diagnosis: Ataxia telnagiectasia

Symptoms: Gagging • coughing • hoarseness • articulatory inaccuracy

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: Oral motor and swallowing assessment

Specialty: Neurology

Oral motor and electromyographic characterization of adults with facial fractures: a comparison between different fracture severities

OBJECTIVES:

To characterize the oral motor system of adults with facial injuries and to compare the oral motor performance/function between two different groups.

METHODS:

An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 38 patients presenting with facial trauma who were assigned to the Division of Orofacial Myology of a Brazilian School Hospital. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (G1) consisted of 19 patients who were submitted to open reduction of at least one facial fracture, and Group 2 (G2) consisted of 19 individuals who were submitted to closed fracture reduction with maxillomandibular fixation. For comparison purposes, a group of 19 healthy volunteers was recruited. All participants underwent a clinical assessment that included an oral motor evaluation, assessment of the mandibular range of motions, and electromyographic assessment of the masticatory muscles.

RESULTS:

Clinical assessment of the oral motor organs indicated that G1 and G2 presented deficits related to the posture, position, and mobility of the oral motor organs. Patients also presented limited mandibular ranges of movement. Deficits were greater for individuals in G1, especially for maximal incisor opening. Additionally, patients in G1 and G2 presented a similar electromyographic profile of the masticatory muscles (i.e., patients with facial fractures presented lower overall muscle activity and significant asymmetrical activity of the masseter muscle during maximum voluntary teeth clenching).

CONCLUSION:

Patients in G1 and G2 presented similar functional deficits after fracture treatment. The severity of facial fractures did not influence muscle function/performance 4 months after the correction of fractures.

Correlation between the severity of critically ill patients and clinical predictors of bronchial aspiration

Objective:

To determine whether the severity of non-neurological critically ill patients correlates with clinical predictors of bronchial aspiration.

Methods:

We evaluated adults undergoing prolonged orotracheal intubation (> 48 h) and bedside swallowing assessment within the first 48 h after extubation. We collected data regarding the risk of bronchial aspiration performed by a speech-language pathologist, whereas data regarding the functional level of swallowing were collected with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS) scale and those regarding health status were collected with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA).

Results:

The study sample comprised 150 patients. For statistical analyses, the patients were grouped by ASHA NOMS score: ASHA1 (levels 1 and 2), ASHA2 (levels 3 to 5); and ASHA3 (levels 6 and 7). In comparison with the other patients, those in the ASHA3 group were significantly younger, remained intubated for fewer days, and less severe overall clinical health status (SOFA score). The clinical predictors of bronchial aspiration that best characterized the groups were abnormal cervical auscultation findings and cough after swallowing. None of the patients in the ASHA 3 group presented with either of those signs.

Conclusions:

Critically ill patients 55 years of age or older who undergo prolonged orotracheal intubation (≥ 6 days), have a SOFA score ≥ 5, have a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤ 14, and present with abnormal cervical auscultation findings or cough after swallowing should be prioritized for a full speech pathology assessment.

Peripheral facial palsy: muscle activity in different onset times

PURPOSE

To assess, through surface electromyography (sEMG), the activity of the risorius and zygomaticus muscles, during the production of voluntary smiles and to compare these data between two groups of individuals with different onset times of peripheral facial palsy (PFP).

METHODS

A total of 140 adults were divided into three groups: G1 (35 individuals with PFP onset time between 0 and 3 months); G2 (35 individuals with PFP onset time between 3 and 6 months); CG (control group) (70 healthy controls). All of the participants were submitted to the following assessments: clinical protocol for the assessment of facial mimic and sEMG of the risorius and zygomaticus muscles.

RESULTS

The results suggest that the groups of individuals with PFP differed from the control group considering muscle activity during rest and during the production of voluntary smiles, regardless of the onset time of the disease. The groups with PFP did not differ between themselves in any of the tested situations. The group with PFP with longer onset time presented greater muscle activation asymmetry during the production of the voluntary smiles when compared to the other two groups. Muscle asymmetry was more evident when considering the results for the risorius muscle.

CONCLUSION

The results of the sEMG do not distinguish the groups when considering PFP onset times.

Oral-motor and electromyographic characterization of patients submitted to open a nd closed reductions of mandibular condyle fracture

Purpose

To characterize the oral-motor system of adults with mandibular condyle facture comparing the performance of individuals submitted to open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and closed reduction with mandibulomaxillary fixation (CRMMF).

Methods

Study participants were 26 adults divided into three groups: G1 - eight individuals submitted to ORIF for correction of condyle fracture; G2 - nine individuals submitted to CRMMF for correction of condyle fracture; CG - nine healthy volunteers with no alterations of the orofacial myofunctional system. All participants underwent the same clinical protocol: assessment of the orofacial myofunctional system; evaluation of the mandibular range of motion; and surface electromyography (sEMG) of the masticatory muscles.

Results

Results indicated that patients with condyle fractures from both groups presented significant differences compared with those from the control group in terms of mobility of the oral-motor organs, mastication, and deglutition. Regarding the measures obtained for mandibular movements, participants with facial fractures from both groups showed significant differences compared with those from the control group, indicating greater restrictions in mandibular motion. As for the analysis of sEMG results, G1 patients presented more symmetrical masseter activation during the task of maximal voluntary teeth clenching.

Conclusion

Patients with mandibular condyle fractures present significant deficits in posture, mobility, and function of the oral-motor system. The type of medical treatment does not influence the results of muscle function during the first six months after fracture reduction. Individuals submitted to ORIF of the condyle fracture present more symmetrical activation of the masseter muscle.

Functional magnetic resonance and swallowing: critical literature review

Introduction

Aspects of the neuroanatomical representation of swallowing have been investigated in humans through brain mapping techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Objective

This critical qualitative review of the literature analyzed international scientific publications in the PubMed database that investigated the activation of the central nervous system in humans during the act of swallowing.

Methods

This investigation was limited to articles that investigated adults older than 18 years, published in English or Portuguese, between January 2002 and December 2013. Publications that did not have access to the full text, that were repeated by overlapping keywords, case studies, literature reviews, letters to the editor, and those not directly related to the topic of the investigation were excluded.

Results

A total of 649 articles were identified, of which 21 matched the inclusion criteria.

Conclusion

The main purpose of the manuscripts that investigate the swallowing process through fMRI were: to characterize swallowing in different pathologies; to compare swallowing in different age groups; to describe brain activation in different stimulation conditions. These studies indicate multiple cortical regions involved in swallowing control. Overall, the studies indicate that fMRI is a non-invasive and quantitative method that allows the investigation of characteristics that are quite often not clinically visible.

Oral transit time: a critical review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Oral transit time is one of the parameters observed during the clinical assessment of the swallowing function. The importance of this parameter is due to its impact on the total duration of a meal, whose consequence can be an unfavorable nutritional prognostic.

OBJECTIVE

To document scientific papers that measure oral transit time in healthy subjects.

METHOD

The review followed the steps proposed by the Cochrane Handbook. The search was done via the PubMed database through the use of descriptors related to the oral phase of swallowing, as well as to types of food consistency.

RESULTS

The articles on the theme had different definitions for oral transit time, as well as heterogeneity of tested volumes, age and gender of the participants. The times found varied from 0.35 s to 1.54 s for liquids, from 0.39 s to 1.05 s for pasty foods and from 1 s to 12.8 s for solid foods. Also, regardless of volume or consistency, oral transit time in elderly people is significantly longer than in adults.

CONCLUSION

There's no consensus in the literature about oral transit time in healthy subjects. However, this parameter should be valued during the assessment of the swallowing function due to its negative impact on the dynamics of swallowing, which can cause high energy expenditure during feeding.

Evaluation of oral-motor movements and facial mimic in patients with head and neck burns by a public service in Brazil

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to analyze the characteristics of oral-motor movements and facial mimic in patients with head and neck burns.

METHODS

An observational descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with patients who suffered burns to the head and neck and who were referred to the Division of Orofacial Myology of a public hospital for assessment and rehabilitation. Only patients presenting deep partial-thickness and full-thickness burns to areas of the face and neck were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical assessment that involved an oral-motor evaluation, mandibular range of movement assessment, and facial mimic assessment. Patients were divided into two groups: G1 - patients with deep partial-thickness burns; G2 - patients with full-thickness burns.

RESULTS

Our final study sample comprised 40 patients: G1 with 19 individuals and G2 with 21 individuals. The overall scores obtained in the clinical assessment of oral-motor organs indicated that patients with both second- and third-degree burns presented deficits related to posture, position and mobility of the oral-motor organs. Considering facial mimic, groups significantly differed when performing voluntary facial movements. Patients also presented limited maximal incisor opening. Deficits were greater for individuals in G2 in all assessments.

CONCLUSION

Patients with head and neck burns present significant deficits related to posture, position and mobility of the oral myofunctional structures, including facial movements.

Ultrassonografia e deglutição: revisão crítica da literatura

Objetivo Identificar como a função da deglutição tem sido avaliada por meio da ultrassonografia (USG). Estratégia de pesquisa Esta revisão da literatura levantou publicações científicas internacionais sobre a USG e seu uso na avaliação da deglutição, por meio da base de dados PubMed. Foi realizada a localização e seleção dos estudos através de levantamento de textos publicados sobre o assunto, no período de janeiro de 2002 a agosto de 2013, limitando-se a estudos em seres humanos, no idioma inglês. Critérios de seleção Foram excluídos aqueles repetidos por sobreposição das palavras-chave, estudos de caso, revisões de literatura, cartas ao editor e os não relacionados diretamente à temática. Resultados Foram identificados 17 estudos que corresponderam aos critérios de inclusão. Observou-se que mais da metade dos estudos avaliou a deglutição de indivíduos adultos saudáveis, sem preferência por nenhum dos gêneros. Os parâmetros adotados para a análise das imagens não foram unânimes, havendo variação considerável entre os estudos. Conclusão A USG da deglutição demonstrou ser um método rápido, não invasivo, de baixo custo, que fornece parâmetros objetivos sobre a deglutição e que pode ser realizado em beira de leito, uma vez que o equipamento costuma ser de fácil manuseio e transporte.

Two-dimensional perceptual videofluoroscopic swallowing analysis of the pharyngeal phase in patients older than 50 years

BACKGROUND

Videofluoroscopy is considered the "gold standard" procedure for the evaluation of swallowing by most units that treat patients with dysphagia, having a great impact in decision making, not only in therapeutic terms, but also in determining the prognosis.

AIM

To propose and to verify the reproducibility of the results of a perceptual two-dimensional videofluoroscopic protocol for the analysis of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing in a population of healthy adults.

METHODS

Participants were 20 healthy adults, of both genders, with ages between 50 and 65 years. Videofluoroscopy was performed during the swallow of the following consistencies: 10 ml of liquid; 7 ml of paste; and half a "salt and water" biscuit. The protocol was composed by four parts: assessment of the pharyngeal transit time; assessment of the duration of the tongue base movement to the posterior pharyngeal wall; valleculae residue ratio; assessment of penetration/aspiration. Statistical analysis involved the assessment of data reproducibility between raters and analysis of the quantitative data regarding gender.

RESULTS

Comparison among raters indicated that data was highly reproducible. No significant differences were found between genders for pharyngeal transit time; for the duration of the tongue base movement to the posterior pharyngeal wall; and for the valleculae residue ratio.

CONCLUSION

The perceptual two-dimensional videofluoroscopy analysis demonstrated to be a reproducible method. Valleculae residue was present in 40% of the study sample, suggesting that this parameter alone does not indicate alterations of the pharyngeal phase of swallowing.

Swallowing sounds in speech therapy practice: a critical analysis of the literature

This study aimed to investigate international scientific papers published on the subject of cervical auscultation and its use in speech therapy. The study involved a qualitative review of the literature spanning the last 10 years. Articles were selected from the PubMed database using the following keywords: cervical auscultation, swallowing and swallowing disorders. Research was included that was conducted on adult humans (over 18 years of age) and was written in English. Each citation retrieved from the database was analyzed independently by each of the study researchers to ascertain its relevance for inclusion in the study. The methodology involved formulating the research question, locating and selecting studies and critically evaluating the articles according to the precepts of the Cochrane Handbook. As a result, 35 studies were identified; 13 articles were analyzed because they allowed access to the full text and were related directly to the subject. We found that the studies were performed with groups of healthy subjects and subjects with different types of base pathology. Some studies compared the patterns found in the different groups. Some of the research sought to study the pattern of swallowing sounds with different factors - evaluator experience, the specificity and sensitivity of the method and how to improve the technique of cervical auscultation through the use of instruments other than the stethoscope. The conclusion of this critical analysis is that cervical auscultation is an important tool to be used in conjunction with other assessment methods in the routine clinical evaluation of swallowing.

Swallowing transit times and valleculae residue in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Breathing and swallowing are physiologically linked to ensure effortless gas exchange during oronasal breathing and to prevent aspiration during swallowing. Studies have indicated consistent aspiration in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mainly related to delayed swallowing reflex and problems with lingual propulsion and pharyngeal peristalsis as a result of bilateral weakness and incoordination of the related muscles. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate swallowing transit times and valleculae residue characteristics of stable COPD patients who have no swallowing complaints.

Methods

Our study population included 20 stable patients with COPD and no swallowing complaints and 20 healthy controls. Swallowing was assessed through videofluoroscopic examination and involved the analysis of the following parameters: (1) pharyngeal stages of deglutition; (2) the duration of bolus movement through the oral cavity and pharynx (i.e. transit times); (3) valleculae residue ratio; (4) penetration/aspiration.

Results

Participants of the study did not present any signs of penetration-aspiration for any of the tested consistencies. Patients with COPD presented longer pharyngeal transit times during the ingestion of the liquid consistency and during the ingestion of the paste consistency. Regarding the duration of tongue base contact with the posterior pharyngeal wall, COPD patients also presented longer durations for the liquid and paste consistencies. No significant difference was observed for the distribution of individuals among the different valleculae residue severity levels.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that stable COPD patients may present physiological adaptations as a protective swallowing maneuver to avoid aspiration/penetration of pharyngeal contents. Moreover, valleculae residue cannot be seen as an isolated factor when trying to explain swallowing alterations in this population.

Clinical dysphagia risk predictors after prolonged orotracheal intubation

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate independent risk factors for dysphagia after prolonged orotracheal intubation.

METHODS

The participants were 148 consecutive patients who underwent clinical bedside swallowing assessments from September 2009 to September 2011. All patients had received prolonged orotracheal intubations and were admitted to one of several intensive care units of a large Brazilian school hospital. The correlations between the conducted water swallow test results and dysphagia risk levels were analyzed for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of the 148 patients included in the study, 91 were male and 57 were female (mean age, 53.64 years). The univariate analysis results indicated that specific variables, including extraoral loss, multiple swallows, cervical auscultation, vocal quality, cough, choking, and other signs, were possible significant high-risk indicators of dysphagia onset. The multivariate analysis results indicated that cervical auscultation and coughing were independent predictive variables for high dysphagia risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients displaying extraoral loss, multiple swallows, cervical auscultation, vocal quality, cough, choking and other signs should benefit from early swallowing evaluations. Additionally, early post-extubation dysfunction recognition is paramount in reducing the morbidity rate in this high-risk population.

Clinical prognostic indicators of dysphagia following prolonged orotracheal intubation in ICU patients

Introduction

The development of postextubation swallowing dysfunction is well documented in the literature with high prevalence in most studies. However, there are relatively few studies with specific outcomes that focus on the follow-up of these patients until hospital discharge. The purpose of our study was to determine prognostic indicators of dysphagia in ICU patients submitted to prolonged orotracheal intubation (OTI).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective, observational cohort study from 2010 to 2012 of all patients over 18 years of age admitted to a university hospital ICU who were submitted to prolonged OTI and subsequently received a bedside swallow evaluation (BSE) by a speech pathologist. The prognostic factors analyzed included dysphagia severity rate at the initial swallowing assessment and at hospital discharge, age, time to initiate oral feeding, amount of individual treatment, number of orotracheal intubations, intubation time and length of hospital stay.

Results

After we excluded patients with neurologic diseases, tracheostomy, esophageal dysphagia and those who were submitted to surgical procedures involving the head and neck, our study sample size was 148 patients. The logistic regression model was used to examine the relationships between independent variables. In the univariate analyses, we found that statistically significant prognostic indicators of dysphagia included dysphagia severity rate at the initial swallowing assessment, time to initiate oral feeding and amount of individual treatment. In the multivariate analysis, we found that dysphagia severity rate at the initial swallowing assessment remained associated with good treatment outcomes.

Conclusions

Studies of prognostic indicators in different populations with dysphagia can contribute to the design of more effective procedures when evaluating, treating, and monitoring individuals with this type of disorder. Additionally, this study stresses the importance of the initial assessment ratings.

Computer game-based and traditional learning method: a comparison regarding students' knowledge retention

BACKGROUND

Educational computer games are examples of computer-assisted learning objects, representing an educational strategy of growing interest. Given the changes in the digital world over the last decades, students of the current generation expect technology to be used in advancing their learning requiring a need to change traditional passive learning methodologies to an active multisensory experimental learning methodology. The objective of this study was to compare a computer game-based learning method with a traditional learning method, regarding learning gains and knowledge retention, as means of teaching head and neck Anatomy and Physiology to Speech-Language and Hearing pathology undergraduate students.

METHODS

Students were randomized to participate to one of the learning methods and the data analyst was blinded to which method of learning the students had received. Students' prior knowledge (i.e. before undergoing the learning method), short-term knowledge retention and long-term knowledge retention (i.e. six months after undergoing the learning method) were assessed with a multiple choice questionnaire. Students' performance was compared considering the three moments of assessment for both for the mean total score and for separated mean scores for Anatomy questions and for Physiology questions.

RESULTS

Students that received the game-based method performed better in the pos-test assessment only when considering the Anatomy questions section. Students that received the traditional lecture performed better in both post-test and long-term post-test when considering the Anatomy and Physiology questions.

CONCLUSIONS

The game-based learning method is comparable to the traditional learning method in general and in short-term gains, while the traditional lecture still seems to be more effective to improve students' short and long-term knowledge retention.

Avaliação clínica da deglutição em unidade de terapia intensiva

OBJETIVO: Relatar os resultados da avaliação clínica completa da deglutição em pacientes críticos de um hospital de ensino de grande porte na cidade de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo, descritivo, no período de setembro a novembro de 2009, em uma unidade de terapia intensiva de emergências clínicas de trinta leitos, de um hospital terciário de grande porte do Brasil. Foram encaminhados 35 pacientes para a avaliação fonoaudiológica clínica da deglutição. Para a avaliação clínica completa da deglutição na unidade de terapia intensiva, foram preconizados os seguintes protocolos: Protocolo de Avaliação Preliminar (PAP), Protocolo de Avaliação do Risco para Disfagia (PARD) e Protocolo de Introdução e Transição da Alimentação por Via Oral (PITA). RESULTADOS: Neste estudo, foi constatada uma prevalência de 63% de disfagia orofaríngea (DO) na UTI, sendo a maioria destas classificadas como moderada e moderada-grave (39%). Entre os pacientes encaminhados para avaliação da deglutição, 74% apresentaram intubação orotraqueal prévia. A análise estatística revelou as variáveis que poderiam classificar corretamente os pacientes como tendo ou não DO nos testes clínicos. Esses indicadores clínicos incluíram: força da tosse, coordenação pneumofonoarticulatória, gravidade da disfonia e elevação laríngea. Vinte e seis pacientes (74%) completaram todos os protocolos. Desse total, 38% retornaram à dieta regular. CONCLUSÃO: A prática com protocolos padronizados mostra-se como uma importante opção no gerenciamento da disfagia orofaríngea na unidade de terapia intensiva.

Exchange of disfluency with age from function to content words in Brazilian Portuguese speakers who do and do not stutter

The purpose of this study was to investigate the exchange of disfluencies from function words to content words with age in Brazilian Portuguese speakers who do and do not stutter. Ninety stuttering individuals and 90 controls, native speakers of Brazilian Portuguese, were divided into three age groups (children, adolescents and adults). The study method involved analyzing the occurrence of stuttering on content and function words based on spontaneous speech samples. Results indicated that children tend to be more disfluent on function words. With the increase in age, teenagers and adults who stutter presented a higher number of disfluencies on content words. These findings support the current literature, indicating that with the aging process, there is an exchange of disfluencies from function to content words. This shift in the disfluency pattern may account for a more advanced type of stuttering. The study also demonstrated that disfluencies in Portuguese speakers follow the same pattern of shifting from function to content words with age as for English speakers.

Rehabilitative management of swallowing and oral-motor movements in patients with tetanus of a public service in Brazil

When looking at developing countries, the prolonged intensive medical and nursing care required by many patients places extra demands on an already stretched healthcare budget. The purpose of this study was to verify the effectiveness of a systematic rehabilitative program for swallowing and oral-motor movements in intensive care unit patients with the diagnosis of tetanus. Forty-five patients who were clinically diagnosed with tetanus were included in the study. Participants were divided in two groups: GI - consisted of 18 tetanus patients who were consecutively admitted to the infectious disease ICU from January 2002 to December 2005, prior to the existence of a systematic swallowing and oral-motor intervention; GII - consisted of 27 tetanus patients who were consecutively admitted to the infectious disease ICU from January 2006 to December 2009 and were submitted to a specific rehabilitative management of swallowing and of the oral-motor movements. Results indicate that the proposed rehabilitative program reduced by approximately 50% the time patients remained in the ICU. The significant improvement observed in patients with tetanus who were submitted to the rehabilitative program for swallowing and oral-motor movements occurred in conjunction with a reduction in the amount of time necessary to reintroduce oral feeding, to decannulate and to remove the feeding tubes. In conclusion, swallowing/muscle exercise, in patients with severe/very severe tetanus, seem to promote the remission of muscle tension and seem to maximize functional swallowing.

Speech and myofunctional exercise physiology: a critical review of the literature

PURPOSE

To analyze the scientific literature about the physiology and effects of exercises used in the treatment of oral myofunctional disorders.

RESEARCH STRATEGY

The methodology used followed the concepts of the Cochrane Handbook and involved question formulation related to the topic of investigation, identification and selection of the studies, and a critical evaluation of the selected articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Papers were selected on PubMed database using the following keyword combinations: "physiology exercise AND speech, language and hearing science", "exercise physiology AND speech therapy", "exercise physiology AND myofunctional therapy", and "physiology exercise AND swallowing therapy". Only papers written in English and published between the years of 2000 and 2010 were included in the analysis.

DATA ANALYSIS

Manuscripts were analyzed according to their objectives, research design, participants, inclusion of a control group, assessment criteria, therapeutic proposal, results and existence about physiology of the chosen exercises.

RESULTS

One hundred and eight studies were identified, out of which 38 had access to the full text and were directly related to the investigated topic. The articles were classified as clinical trials and experimental research, case studies, literature reviews and theoretical articles, letters to the editor and critical analyses.

CONCLUSION

This review concluded that there is a lack of knowledge about the effects of the myofunctional exercises used by clinicians. Also there is a lack of scientific evidence to determine the frequency at which they should be performed. Generally, the articles investigate the efficacy of treatment programs without inquiring whether the included exercises are individually effective.

Caracterização eletromiográfica e ultrassonográfica da função mastigatória em indivíduos com oclusão normal

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar o controle motor dos músculos masseter e temporal e a morfologia do músculo masseter em atividades da função mastigatória em indivíduos com oclusão normal; verificar a compatibilidade entre os exames de eletromiografia de superfície (EMGs) e ultrassonografia (USG). MÉTODOS: Participaram 22 indivíduos adultos, de ambos os gêneros, sem alterações no sistema miofuncional orofacial. Os procedimentos adotados para avaliação dos participantes foram: EMGs dos músculos masseteres (MM) e temporais (MT); e USG dos MM, na realização de três tarefas - repouso muscular, apertamento dentário com algodão, apertamento dentário sem algodão. RESULTADOS: Para análise estatística dos dados foram utilizados os testes de Kolmogorv-Smirnov, teste-T pareado e Correlação de Spearman, com nível de significância de 5%. Na EMGs observou-se diferença entre a ativação de MM e MT no apertamento dentário com e sem algodão, sendo MT mais ativo que MM em ambas as tarefas. Não foram observadas diferenças entre as hemifaces, tanto na EMGs quanto na USG. Observou-se também correlação positiva entre os exames na condição de apertamento dentário sem algodão esquerdo e na condição de apertamento dentário esquerdo com algodão, e tendência à significância no apertamento dentário direito sem algodão. CONCLUSÃO: A associação da EMGs e USG na investigação da funcionalidade muscular traz importantes informações sobre fisiologia da musculatura esquelética. Os resultados do presente estudo indicam haver correlação entre a EMGs e a USG, ou seja, o aumento da atividade elétrica e o aumento correspondente da espessura do músculo.

Acoustic analyses of diadochokinesis in fluent and stuttering children

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of the study was to acoustically compare the performance of children who do and do not stutter on diadochokinesis tasks in terms of syllable duration, syllable periods, and peak intensity.

METHODS

In this case-control study, acoustical analyses were performed on 26 children who stutter and 20 aged-matched normally fluent children (both groups stratified into preschoolers and school-aged children) during a diadochokinesis task: the repetition of articulatory segments through a task testing the ability to alternate movements. Speech fluency was assessed using the Fluency Profile and the Stuttering Severity Instrument.

RESULTS

The children who stutter and those who do not did not significantly differ in terms of the acoustic patterns they produced in the diadochokinesis tasks. Significant differences were demonstrated between age groups independent of speech fluency. Overall, the preschoolers performed poorer. These results indicate that the observed differences are related to speech-motor age development and not to stuttering itself.

CONCLUSIONS

Acoustic studies demonstrate that speech segment durations are most variable, both within and between subjects, during childhood and then gradually decrease to adult levels by the age of eleven to thirteen years. One possible explanation for the results of the present study is that children who stutter presented higher coefficients of variation to exploit the motor equivalence to achieve accurate sound production (i.e., the absence of speech disruptions).

Reprint of: stuttering treatment control using P300 event-related potentials

Positron emission tomography studies during speech have indicated a failure to show the normal activation of auditory cortical areas in stuttering individuals. In the present study, P300 event-related potentials were used to investigate possible effects of behavioral treatment on the pattern of signal amplitude and latency between waves. In order to compare variations in P300 measurements, a control group paired by age and gender to the group of stutterers, was included in the study. Findings suggest that the group of stutterers presented a significant decrease in stuttering severity after the fluency treatment program. Regarding P300 measurements, stutterers and their controls presented results within normal limits in all testing situations and no significant statistical variations between pre and post treatment testing. When comparing individual results between the testing situations, stutterers presented a higher average decrease in wave latency for the right ear following treatment. The results are discussed in light of previous P300 event-related potentials and functional imaging studies with stuttering adults.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The reader will learn about and be able to describe the: (1) use of P300 event-related potentials in the study of stuttering; (2) differences between stuttering and non-stuttering adults; and (3) effects of behavioral fluency treatment on cerebral activity in stuttering speakers.

Stuttering treatment control using P300 event-related potentials

Positron emission tomography studies during speech have indicated a failure to show the normal activation of auditory cortical areas in stuttering individuals. In the present study, P300 event-related potentials were used to investigate possible effects of behavioral treatment on the pattern of signal amplitude and latency between waves. In order to compare variations in P300 measurements, a control group paired by age and gender to the group of stutterers, was included in the study. Findings suggest that the group of stutterers presented a significant decrease in stuttering severity after the fluency treatment program. Regarding P300 measurements, stutterers and their controls presented results within normal limits in all testing situations and no significant statistical variations between pre and post treatment testing. When comparing individual results between the testing situations, stutterers presented a higher average decrease in wave latency for the right ear following treatment. The results are discussed in light of previous P300 event-related potentials and functional imaging studies with stuttering adults.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

The reader will learn about and be able to describe the: (1) use of P300 event-related potentials in the study of stuttering; (2) differences between stuttering and non-stuttering adults; and (3) effects of behavioral fluency treatment on cerebral activity in stuttering speakers.

Mandibular range of motion in patients with idiopathic peripheral facial palsy

Regarding orofacial motor assessment in facial paralysis, quantitative measurements of the face are being used to establish diagnosis, prognosis and treatment planning.

AIM

To assess the prevalence of changes in mandibular range of motion in individuals with peripheral facial paralysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective study. We had 56 volunteers, divided in two groups: G1 made up of 28 individuals with idiopathic facial paralysis (6 males and 22 females); 14 with manifestations on the right side of the face and 14 on the left side; time of onset varied between 6-12 months; G2 with 28 healthy individuals paired by age and gender to G1. In order to assess mandibular range of motion, a digital caliper was used. The following measurements were made: 1) middle line; 2) maximum oral opening; 3) lateralization to the right; 4) lateralization to the left; 5) protrusion; 6) horizontal overlap.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences between the groups were observed for maximum oral opening, lateralization to the left and protrusion. G1 presented smaller measurement values than G2.

CONCLUSION

Patients with facial paralysis present significant reduction of mandibular range of motion. The results support the suggestion of incorporating functional evaluation of the temporomandibular joint to the existing facial paralysis clinical assessment protocols.

Electromyography and diadochokinesia--a study with fluent and stuttering children

BACKGROUND

electromyography and diadochokinesia.

AIM

to analyze the oral movement rate in children with persistent developmental stuttering and in normally fluent children during the repetition of articulatory segments (diadochokinesia - DDK).

METHOD

participants of the study were 50 children, with no distinction of gender and race, enrolled in public schools (primary and junior) of São Paulo city and Great São Paulo, whose families agreed, through informed consent, with the research procedures. The research group (GI) consisted of 19 children diagnosed as stutterers. The control group (GII) consisted of 31 fluent children.

RESULTS

the results of the study indicate that there were great similarities in performance in the DDK tasks for both groups. Standard deviation values were high for both groups.

CONCLUSION

statistically significant differences were observed for the ability of sequential movement, i.e. when looking at ANOVA results the group of fluent children presented a better ability to move their articulators rapidly when producing sequential segments (pa/ta/ka).

Avaliação eletromiográfica e ultrassonográfica do músculo masseter em indivíduos normais: estudo piloto

TEMA: estudos recentes utilizaram a ultrassonografia com o objetivo de medir cortes musculares. OBJETIVO: caracterizar o controle motor e a morfologia do músculo masseter em indivíduos normais, verificando a compatibilidade entre a eletromiografia de superfície e a ultrassonografia. MÉTODO: cinco indivíduos adultos, sem alterações no sistema estomatognático. Os procedimentos adotados para a avaliação dos participantes foram: 1. Eletromiografia de Superfície; 2. Ultrassonografia. RESULTADOS: houve alta correlação apenas para a comparação entre hemifaces direita e esquerda no exame de ultrassonografia (repouso 0,95; máxima intercuspidação dentária 0,86). CONCLUSÃO: os resultados indicam não haver correlação entre os métodos testados, sugerindo que os exames são complementares e não excludentes.

Oral sensorimotor function for feeding in patients with tetanus

Tetanus still remains a significant health problem in developing countries; it is a serious disease with a high mortality rate. The purpose of this study was to characterize the oral sensorimotor function for feeding in patients with tetanus. Thirteen patients clinically diagnosed with tetanus and admitted to an intensive care unit between December of 2005 and May of 2007 underwent a screening tool for dysphagia, involving the assessment of clinical features and 2 swallowing tests. Results indicate that the oral sensorimotor function for feeding in these patients is severely compromised, with the exception for the clinical feature of palate elevation and performance in the saliva swallowing test. The factor analysis indicated that the evaluation of tongue movement change in the oromotor examination is important in predicting alterations of cough/voice in the water swallowing test, thus suggesting that oral feeding might be unsafe. When looking at developing countries, the prolonged intensive medical and nursing care required by many patients with tetanus places extra demands on an already stretched healthcare budget. Intervention by a speech pathologist could mean that time in the ICU would be reduced as well as the number of re-admissions due to complications.