International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

1 pages, 186 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

by Nancy Pearl Solomon

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2023, 49(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2023.49.1.3 - 31 Dec 2023

Viewed by 167

In these times of quickly proliferating journals with potentially unscrupulous publishing practices, it is more important than ever to be confident that the journals you rely on for scholarly content and for your own publication needs are legitimate. We are proud to report that the IJOM was thoroughly reviewed by the Committee on Publication Ethics and has been accepted for membership, verifying that the journal maintains a commitment to research and a high level of publication integrity. Full article

17 pages, 455 KiB

Open AccessConference Report

Proceedings of the 2023 IAOM Convention

by International Association of Orofacial Myology

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2023, 49(1), 1-17; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2023.49.1.4 - 31 Oct 2023

Viewed by 188

Abstract

Deciduous malocclusion (DM), defined by poorly developing jaws and misaligned teeth in preschool-age children (under the age of 6 years) is a highly prevalent public health problem within industrialized societies [...] Full article

13 pages, 624 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of a Myofunctional Device in an Aged Care Population for Oral Care and Swallowing: A Feasibility Study

by Hollie-Ann L. Shortland, Gwendalyn Webb, Anne E. Vertigan and Sally Hewat

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2023, 49(1), 1-13; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2023.49.1.2 - 8 Jun 2023

Viewed by 188

Abstract

Purpose: Poor oral health is a known predictor of aspiration pneumonia in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and chronically ill. This study examined the feasibility of using myofunctional devices during a 5-week intervention for the management of oral care and dysphagia for residents in a residential aged-care facility. Method: Feasibility was determined through evaluation of study recruitment and retention rates, adherence to intervention, and resident and staff acceptability of the intervention. Thirteen residents, ages 74–99, participated in the intervention and 10 care staff completed feedback on post-intervention questionnaires. Results: Enrolment and retention rates were 61.9% and 92.3%, respectively. Adherence rates for use of the device were 92.6% at 3 weeks, and 89.3% at 5 weeks for the 12 participants who completed the protocol. The device was considered acceptable for ease of use, comfort, and amount of support required. Conclusion: Results indicate that further research exploring device use in an aged care population for the management of dysphagia and oral hygiene is feasible. Full article

10 pages, 388 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Muscle Tension Dysphonia in Singers and Professional Speakers with Ankyloglossia: Impact of Treatment with Lingual Frenuloplasty and Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

by Isabella Summersgill, Gloria Nguyen, Cullen Grey, Leyli Norouz-Knutsen, Robyn Merkel-Walsh, Christine Katzenmeir, Benjamin Rafii and Soroush Zaghi

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2023, 49(1), 1-8; https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.2023.49.1.1 - 30 Mar 2023

Viewed by 691

Abstract

Introduction: Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) describes a condition affecting the feeling or quality of the voice due to increased muscle tension in and/or around the neck and larynx. Ankyloglossia is a condition of restricted tongue mobility that has been shown to be associated with increased muscle tension. This case series explores outcomes for voice users with MTD who have been treated for ankyloglossia. Methods: Twelve professional or recreational voice users diagnosed with ankyloglossia were surveyed on their symptoms of MTD before and after treatment with lingual frenuloplasty and pre- and post-operative orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT), a multidisciplinary approach known as functional frenuloplasty. Two investigators independently compiled a list of themes reported by participants and agreed upon common themes. Results: Eleven out of twelve patients (91.6%) reported clinical improvement in the use of their voice after functional frenuloplasty; one patient reported no change. Five primary themes were noted: improved voice quality, improved ease of singing and/or speaking, increased stamina, increased pitch range, and improved breath support. Discussion: OMT with lingual frenuloplasty can be an effective adjunctive intervention for treatment of symptoms of vocal tension and fatigue for singers and professional speakers with ankyloglossia. These findings suggest a possible association between MTD and restricted tongue mobility presumably due to underlying myofascial tension. Full article

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Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 49, Issue 1 (March 2023) – 4 articles

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