Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Hypernasal Speech in Children

Launched by NOEL JABBOUR · Aug 4, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a type of exercise called Expiratory Muscle Strength Training to see if it can help children with speech difficulties caused by conditions like cleft palate. When the soft palate, the back part of the roof of the mouth, doesn’t work well, it can create a speech issue known as velopharyngeal insufficiency, which often leads to hypernasal speech. The researchers want to find out if using a special breathing device to do exercises can strengthen the soft palate, helping it close the area between the throat and nose better, and improve speech clarity.

The study is looking for children aged 5 to 17 who have a specific score indicating speech issues. To be eligible, they should have a Pittsburgh weighted speech score of 5 or greater. However, children who have had certain types of speech surgery in the past or are scheduled for surgery soon won’t be able to participate. If selected, participants can expect to perform some tests and exercises designed to help strengthen their soft palate. This could be a helpful opportunity for children struggling with speech due to their condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Pittsburgh weighted speech scores of 5 or greater
• • Ages 5-17 years
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • CAPS-A-AM hypernasality score \<2
• • Previous speech surgery (e.g. palatoplasty or pharyngeal flap)
• • Speech surgery scheduled within the next 56 days
• • Unable or unwilling to perform the tests and exercises outlined in the study