International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

26 pages, 955 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Speech Sound Disorders in Children: A Systematic Review

by Robyn Merkel-Walsh, Danielle Carey, Ashika Burnside, Danyelle Grime, Denim Turkich, Raymond J. Tseng and Sharon Smart

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2025, 51(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51010004 - 3 Mar 2025

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Abstract

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) is an intervention approach used to remediate orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs). OMDs are abnormal patterns involving the oral and orofacial musculature that can subsequently interfere with the normal growth, development, or function of orofacial structures, including speech production. Historically, articulation therapy is used to remediate speech sound disorders (SSDs). Currently, there is a dearth of literature on the use of OMT to treat non-developmental (organic) SSDs in children. The aim of this systematic review is to examine the effectiveness of OMT in treating organic SSDs in children and adolescents between 4 and 18 years of age. A search of five electronic databases (ProQuest, Scopus, Ovid, CINAHL, and Embase) was conducted, including backward (identifying and reviewing references from earlier studies from sources) and forward searching (reviewing newer studies that have cited a source). Only primary research including OMT with post-treatment outcome measures for speech production were included. Thirteen studies were reviewed, including a total of 397 participants between 4 and 17 years of age. A range of study designs, diagnoses, and intervention approaches were discussed. Studies yielded mixed results on the effectiveness of OMT to treat organic SSDs. OMT alone, and in combination with articulation therapy, was not found to be more effective than articulation therapy alone. The methodological quality of the studies ranged from limited to strong. Findings from high quality studies showed no improvement to speech that could be directly attributed to OMT, and lower quality studies yielded mixed results. This review found no conclusive evidence supporting the use of OMT as a standalone treatment for the effective remediation of SSDs. This is attributed to significant variability in speech outcomes, small sample sizes, limited comparison groups, diverse participant diagnoses, and inconsistent methodologies and treatment protocols, yielding mixed results. In addition, while the term OMT was used in the papers to designate treatment methodology, an analysis of the exercise descriptions revealed that some reported OMT exercises were non-speech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) and oral motor therapies. Overall, many of the techniques utilized across studies did not provide speech-like movements in their therapeutic interventions based on their description. Finally, traditional articulation therapy, including speech drills to work on articulation disorders, was not included in many of the included studies. SLPs using OMT as a modality would typically combine this with articulation practice to treat the SSD. This study highlights the need for robust future studies including prospective cohort studies to compare OMT, combined OMT and articulation therapy, and articulation therapy alone to provide clearer guidance for future clinical practice. Full article

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16 pages, 470 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre- and Post-Operative Care Protocol for Infants with Tongue-Tie: Clinical and Caregiver Perspectives

by Thea Cook, Elliana Nolan, Raymond J. Tseng and Sharon Smart

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2025, 51(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51010003 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 1753

Abstract

Purpose: Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie (TT) occurs when the lingual frenulum is visually altered and accompanied by restricted tongue mobility causing feeding and other difficulties for infants. Pre- and post-operative stimulation techniques are known to be effective in preventing tissue reattachment and ensuring feeding success. The aim of this study was to gather feedback from parents and health professionals for an experimental evidence-based pre- and post-operative care protocol for breastfeeding infants undergoing surgical management for TT. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to evaluate an experimental pre- and post-operative care protocol for infants with TT, through virtual semi-structured interviews with clinicians and parents of children with TT. Five parents and eight current practicing clinicians were interviewed to obtain feedback on the protocol in development. The results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were generated from participants: (1) parental confidence and competence, (2) the need for individualized and adaptable instruction; (3) supporting the parent and infant equally; and (4) regular and periodic support and adjustment to protocol. Conclusions: The findings from the qualitative interviews highlighted the importance of fostering parental confidence and education, adaptability and flexibility in care, and clinician reassurance throughout the process. The participants suggested these factors would contribute to greater adherence to care protocols and improved outcomes for both infants and their families. This research emphasizes the importance of providing care that extends beyond logistics of oral stimulation techniques and instead recommends a mindful, family-centered approach that empowers and motivates families throughout the process. Full article

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2 pages, 208 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Advancing Research in Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy with a New Publishing Partnership

by Nancy Pearl Solomon

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2025, 51(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51010002 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1083

Abstract

The International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM), the official journal of the International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM), has just celebrated its 50th continuous year of publication [...] Full article

1 pages, 233 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Publisher’s Note: A New Chapter for the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM)—Continued Publication by MDPI

by Clàudia Aunós

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2025, 51(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51010001 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 478

Abstract

The International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM) has been an important part of the orofacial myology field since its establishment in 1975 [...] Full article

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Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 51, Issue 1 (June 2025) – 4 articles

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