International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

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Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 51, Issue 2 (December 2025) – 2 articles

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20 pages, 777 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multidisciplinary Approaches to Tongue Thrust Management in Australia: An Exploratory Study

by Sharon Smart, Julia Dekenah, Ashleigh Joel, Holly Newman and Kelly Milner

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2025, 51(2), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51020007 - 14 Jul 2025

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Abstract

Background/Objectives: Tongue thrust (TT) occurs when abnormal tongue movements cause anterior tongue placement with pressure and contact against or between the teeth, potentially affecting the oral phase of swallowing, impacting eating, breathing and speaking. There is limited literature on the diagnostic and treatment approaches for TT, as well as involvement of health practitioners in its management. This study aims to examine the current knowledge and practices related to TT diagnosis and treatment among health professionals in Australia. Methods: A two-phase explanatory sequential mixed methods approach was adopted, comprising an online survey that collected participants’ demographic information and details on assessment, diagnosis, management, referral practices, and relevant experience and training. Phase one involved 47 health professionals from various disciplines in Australia who completed an online survey in its entirety. Phase two included in-depth interviews with seven speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to gain further insights into their experiences in managing TT. Survey data were analysed descriptively, and interview data was analysed thematically. Results: Most participants diagnosed TT using clinical assessments, such as general observation and oral motor examinations. Treatment approaches commonly included orofacial myofunctional therapy and the use of myofunctional devices. Interviews with SLPs identified four key themes: tongue thrust as a symptom rather than a diagnosis, facilitators to effective treatment, multidisciplinary approaches to management, and training and education gaps in clinical practice. Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into how TT is identified, assessed, diagnosed, and managed by health professionals in Australia. It highlights the perspectives of SLPs on treatment approaches, as well as their views on the availability and adequacy of training and education in this field. The findings suggest the need for a broader understanding of TT management, emphasising the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration and professional development. These insights are globally relevant, as they stress the shared challenges and the value of international collaboration in improving TT diagnosis and treatment practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 50 Years of the IJOM: Perspectives and Future Directions in Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy)

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25 pages, 1824 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea—A Mixed Methods Study of Facilitators and Barriers to Treatment Adherence

by Diana Dobran Hansen, Unn Tinbod, Xin Feng, Toril Dammen, Harald Hrubos-Strøm and Helge Skirbekk

Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther. 2025, 51(2), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijom51020006 - 30 Jun 2025

Viewed by 946

Abstract

Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a promising, new treatment. We aimed to study patients’ experiences and adherence to OMT. Twelve patients with OSA were included in the study, and they engaged in OMT exercises three times daily for 12 weeks. Participants tracked their sleep and OMT exercise activities in an electronic diary. Exercise techniques were guided by a certified therapist. Patients’ experiences with OMT were assessed through semi-structured individual interviews conducted after a 12-week intervention, and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed an overarching theme that captured both facilitators of and barriers to OMT, organized into three subthemes: (1) motivation, (2) perceived support, and (3) perceived effects. Motivation was driven by a desire to improve general health and avoid continuous positive airway pressure treatment, and was supported by a sense of mastery and perceived effectiveness. Key facilitators included a trusting patient–therapist relationship, as well as developing routines and a sense of control. Barriers involved managing the comprehensive treatment protocol, insecurities around exercise execution and the potential impact of OMT, sickness burden, and previous negative healthcare experiences. These themes were supported by quantitative findings, which demonstrated high treatment adherence, while sleep data indicated modest individual improvements in subjective sleep quality and efficiency. By recognizing facilitators and barriers and addressing the individual differences among OSA patients, healthcare providers can better tailor their approach to meet diverse patient needs. This personalized approach, supported by emerging sleep improvements, may enhance patient engagement and improve adherence to OMT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 50 Years of the IJOM: Perspectives and Future Directions in Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy)

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Int. J. Orofac. Myol. Myofunct. Ther., Volume 51, Issue 2 (December 2025) – 2 articles

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