International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

25 pages, 2873 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Effects of an 8-Week Mechanically Aided Resistance Facial Exercise Program

by Pascal H. H. M. van Lieshout, Arpita Bose and Aravind K. Namasivayam

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2002, 28(1), 49-73; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2002.28.1.4 - 1 Nov 2002

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 147

This paper describes a study that for the first time addresses the physiological effects of an 8-week mechanically aided facial exercise program, using the Facial-Flex device (Facial Concepts, Inc., Blue Bell, PA, USA) with four healthy individuals with no motor, speech, language, or hearing problems. For a variety of non-speech and speech tasks, upper and lower lip muscle activity (EMG) and upper and lower lip movements were recorded at two baseline sessions (separated by 1 week) and immediately after an 8-week training period. The results indicate that after the training period, all four subjects showed an increase in the number of task repetitions and the duration of isometric contraction using the Facial-Flex device with a fixed resistance (Linebaugh tests). However, with resped to physiological changes as related to the exercise program, the results were mixed. Only one subjed showed the expected significant increase in normalized EMG activity. This response was mirrored in a significant overall increase in movement range and peak velocity after the 8-week training period. Regarding the other three subjects, one subject showed no systematic training effect at all, whereas the remaining two subjects showed a significant increase in movement duration. Non-speech and speech tasks were found to be clearly different in their overall physiological characteristics; speech related movements were found to be more clearly defined in terms of larger amplitudes, shorter durations, higher peak velocities, and less variable movement cycles. The apparent discrepancy between the results of the Linebaugh tests and the physiological measures on specific oro-motor tasks warrants some caution in drawing conclusions on changes in the oro-motor system based on general performance measures. Further studies with well-defined clinical populations are needed to assess the usefulness of this device as an aid in the treatment of speech disorders based on motor system impairments. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Dysarthria: A Study on Speech Intelligibility

by Jayanti Ray

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2002, 28(1), 39-48; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2002.28.1.3 - 1 Nov 2002

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 94

Abstract

Various types of orofacial myofunctional disorders co-exist with speech problems in individuals with dysarthria. Controlled studies stating the efficacy of orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in dysarthric individuals are very scant. The present study was undertaken to examine the efficacy of OMT in twelve patients diagnosed with mild to moderate dysarthria following right hemisphere brain damage. Pre-therapy assessment focused on existing orofacial myofunctional problems and speech intelligibility in the clients. The goals of OMT were to increase strength and mobility of buccal, facial, labial, and lingual musculature. No speech intervention was provided while OMT was in progress. Post-therapy measures indicated significant improvements in the stated goals as well as in speech intelligibility for single words. Patients observed functional improvements in swallowing functions too. A high positive correlation was found between speech intelligibility and diadochokinetic rate. Clinical implications regarding use of OMT in dysarthria are discussed. Full article

33 pages, 3614 KiB

Open AccessReview

Suffer the Little Children: Fixed Intraoral Habit Appliances for Treating Childhood Thumbsucking Habits: A Critical Review of the Literature

by Nicholas L. Moore

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2002, 28(1), 6-38; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2002.28.1.2 - 1 Nov 2002

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 94

Abstract

A critical review of the literature is presented covering the treatment of childhood thumbsuck.ing habits using fixed intraoral habit appliances (hayrake, palatal crib). The habit appliances are classified into type and function. Data is tabulated for key references revealing the fragmented and distorted nature of the literature and its lack of consistency. A chronological approach is presented to confirm the confused and idiosyncratic character of the literature. Information is provided on the early work of Massler and Graber and the paradox of Mack, Komer and Reider. Haryett’s seminal studies at the University of Alberta regarding aspects of the treatment used are critically reviewed. Reflections are presented on why Larsson’s study, casting doubt on the wisdom of using habit appliances, continues to be ignored. The emergence of the Bluegrass Appliance is discussed in terms of its being a more humane appliance and the seeming reluctance of practitioners to apply it as a kinder form of appliance therapy. Information is reported on the pain and serious injuries inflicted on children by habit appliances. A comparison of the use of appliances in the USA is made with the UK, where fixed habit appliances are not popular. Concludes that fixed intraoral habit appliances are cruel and inflict pain and suffering on children out of all proportion to their necessity. Questions why these appliances continue to be used, implying that it could be a combination of financial inducement, professional insularity and the absence of concerted opposition from behavioural therapists. Full article

1 pages, 74 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Editor’s Corner: Preview of Inclusions

by Patricia M. Taylor

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2002, 28(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2002.28.1.5 - 1 Nov 2002

Viewed by 69

Abstract

I hope that you enjoy this exciting issue [...] Full article

2 pages, 144 KiB

Open AccessCommentary

An Orthodontist’s Perspective on the Use of Habit Appliances

by Robert M. Mason

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2002, 28(1), 3-4; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2002.28.1.1 - 1 Nov 2002

Viewed by 68

Abstract

The inclusion of the article by Nicholas L. Moore in this issue of the IJOM is a signal event in the history of the Journal [...] Full article

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 28, Issue 1 (November 2002) – 5 articles

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI