Orofacial myofunctional assessment and quality of life of individuals with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVES: To characterize orofacial myofunctional structures of elders with Parkinson's disease (PD) and examine the relationship with the stages of PD, pharmacotherapy, and quality of life. METHODS: PD Group with 45 elders and a control group (CG) of 10 healthy elders of both sexes were included (60-86 years). Structured interviews, medical records, and clinical examination gathered information on health aspects such as the use of drugs, Hoehn & Yahr stages 1-4, and oral health status. The Mini-Mental State Examination, Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire, and Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Elders were applied. RESULTS: Better oral health status was found in participants diagnosed as Hoehn & Yahr stage 1 compared to the later stages. OMES-Elders scores for appearance/posture, mobility, breathing, and speech functions were different between groups, and decreased overall OMES-Elders was observed across the Hoehn & Yahr stages. A higher number of masticatory cycles was required for chewing and ingestion of the test food in the PD group compared to CG (p < .05). Significant differences were found in the mobility and daily living activities domains and an overall score of QoL between the Hoehn & Yahr stages 1 and 4, and worst orofacial functioning was accompanied by the worst self-perception of QoL in the communication domain (rho = -0.32; p = .034). The use of xerogenic drugs did not affect the OMES-Elders swallowing domain. CONCLUSION: Worse dental condition and performance of orofacial functions was observed in the elders with PD as the disease progresses, and poorer orofacial performance negatively affects their perception of communication skills.

Effect of speech therapy on quality of life in patients with spinocerebelar ataxia type 3.

BACKGROUND: Individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) present communication and swallowing disorders, and consequent deterioration in quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a speech therapy rehabilitation program on the QOL of patients with SCA3. METHODS: All participants were randomly assigned to two groups, an intervention group receiving speech therapy (STG) and a control group (CG). The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale scores were 32.4 ± 20.2, and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia scores were 11.8 ± 8.0. The intervention consisted of a 12-session speech therapy rehabilitation program with oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal strengthening exercises-the so-called ATAXIA-Myofunctional Orofacial and Vocal Therapy (A-MOVT). They all were submitted to pre- and postintervention evaluations using the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment, as well as the Living with Dysarthria (LwD), Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL), and Food Assessment Tool (EAT-10). RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 48 patients with SCA3 (STG = 25; CG = 23), mean age was 47.1 ± 11.4 years; mean age at symptom onset was 36.9 ± 11.3 years; disease duration was 11.9 ± 13.3 years. After the 3-month intervention, there were significant changes in the QOL in the STG compared with the CG, when assessed by the LwD (179.12 ± 62.55 vs. 129.88 ± 51.42, p < 0.001), SWAL-QOL (869.43 ± 153.63 vs. 911.60 ± 130.90, p = 0.010), and EAT-10 (5.16 ± 7.55 vs. 2.08 ± 3.85, p = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SCA3 should receive continuous speech therapy as part of the A-MOVT program, because therapy helps to improve difficulty swallowing and dysarthria.

ANTECEDENTES: Indivíduos com ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 3 (AEC3) apresentam distúrbios da comunicação e deterioração da deglutição e, consequentemente, na qualidade de vida (QV). OBJETIVO: Avaliar o impacto de um programa de reabilitação fonoaudiológica na QV em pacientes com AEC3. MéTODOS: Todos os participantes foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, um grupo intervenção que recebeu terapia fonoaudiológica (GTF) e um grupo controle (GC). As pontuações das escalas: International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) foram 32,4 ± 20,2 e da Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) foram 11,8 ± 8,0. A intervenção consistiu em um programa de reabilitação fonoaudiológica de 12 sessões composto por exercícios de fortalecimento oral, faríngeo e laríngeo - denominados ATAXIA - Terapia Miofuncional Orofacial e Vocal (A-TMOV). Todos foram submetidos a avaliações pré e pós-intervenção por meio dos protocolos World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Vivendo com Disartria (VcD), Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL) e Food Assessment Tool (EAT-10). RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta por 48 pacientes com AEC3 (25 no GTF e 23 no GC), média de idade 47,1 ± 11,4anos; média de idade de início dos sintomas 36,9 ± 11,3anos; duração da doença 11,9 ± 13,3anos. Após intervenção de três meses, houve mudanças significativas na QV no GTF em comparação com o GC quando avaliado pelo VcD (179,12 ± 62,55 versus129,88 ± 51,42, p < 0,001), SWAL-QOL (869,43 ± 153,63 versus 911,60 ± 130,90, p = 0,010), EAT-10 (5,16 ± 7,55 versus 2,08 ± 3,85, p = 0,018). CONCLUSõES: Pacientes com AEC3 devem receber terapia fonoaudiológica contínua como parte do programa A-TMOV, pois a terapia ajuda a melhorar a dificuldade de deglutição e a disartria.

Effect of speech therapy on quality of life in patients with spinocerebelar ataxia type 3 / Efeito da terapia fonoaudiológica na qualidade de vida de pacientes com ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 3

Abstract Background Individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) present communication and swallowing disorders, and consequent deterioration in quality of life (QOL). Objective To evaluate the impact of a speech therapy rehabilitation program on the QOL of patients with SCA3. Methods All participants were randomly assigned to two groups, an intervention group receiving speech therapy (STG) and a control group (CG). The International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale scores were 32.4 ± 20.2, and the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia scores were 11.8 ± 8.0. The intervention consisted of a 12-session speech therapy rehabilitation program with oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal strengthening exercises—the so-called ATAXIA-Myofunctional Orofacial and Vocal Therapy (A-MOVT). They all were submitted to pre- and postintervention evaluations using the World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) assessment, as well as the Living with Dysarthria (LwD), Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL), and Food Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Results The study sample consisted of 48 patients with SCA3 (STG = 25; CG = 23), mean age was 47.1 ± 11.4 years; mean age at symptom onset was 36.9 ± 11.3 years; disease duration was 11.9 ± 13.3 years. After the 3-month intervention, there were significant changes in the QOL in the STG compared with the CG, when assessed by the LwD (179.12 ± 62.55 vs. 129.88 ± 51.42, p < 0.001), SWAL-QOL (869.43 ± 153.63 vs. 911.60 ± 130.90, p = 0.010), and EAT-10 (5.16 ± 7.55 vs. 2.08 ± 3.85, p = 0.018). Conclusions Patients with SCA3 should receive continuous speech therapy as part of the A-MOVT program, because therapy helps to improve difficulty swallowing and dysarthria.

Resumo Antecedentes Indivíduos com ataxia espinocerebelar tipo 3 (AEC3) apresentam distúrbios da comunicação e deterioração da deglutição e, consequentemente, na qualidade de vida (QV). Objetivo Avaliar o impacto de um programa de reabilitação fonoaudiológica na QV em pacientes com AEC3. Métodos Todos os participantes foram alocados aleatoriamente em dois grupos, um grupo intervenção que recebeu terapia fonoaudiológica (GTF) e um grupo controle (GC). As pontuações das escalas: International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) foram 32,4 ± 20,2 e da Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) foram 11,8 ± 8,0. A intervenção consistiu em um programa de reabilitação fonoaudiológica de 12 sessões composto por exercícios de fortalecimento oral, faríngeo e laríngeo - denominados ATAXIA - Terapia Miofuncional Orofacial e Vocal (A-TMOV). Todos foram submetidos a avaliações pré e pós-intervenção por meio dos protocolos World Health Organization's Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Vivendo com Disartria (VcD), Quality of Life in Swallowing Disorders (SWAL-QOL) e Food Assessment Tool (EAT-10). Resultados A amostra foi composta por 48 pacientes com AEC3 (25 no GTF e 23 no GC), média de idade 47,1 ± 11,4anos; média de idade de início dos sintomas 36,9 ± 11,3anos; duração da doença 11,9 ± 13,3anos. Após intervenção de três meses, houve mudanças significativas na QV no GTF em comparação com o GC quando avaliado pelo VcD (179,12 ± 62,55 versus129,88 ± 51,42, p < 0,001), SWAL-QOL (869,43 ± 153,63 versus 911,60 ± 130,90, p = 0,010), EAT-10 (5,16 ± 7,55 versus 2,08 ± 3,85, p = 0,018). Conclusões Pacientes com AEC3 devem receber terapia fonoaudiológica contínua como parte do programa A-TMOV, pois a terapia ajuda a melhorar a dificuldade de deglutição e a disartria.

Rehabilitation in patients with cerebellar ataxias.

Cerebellar ataxias comprise a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by motor and non-motor symptoms, which can be acquired, degenerative, or have a genetic cause, such as spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). Usually, the genetic and neurodegenerative forms of cerebellar ataxias present a progressive and inevitable worsening of the clinical picture so that rehabilitation treatment is fundamental. Rehabilitation treatment includes physical therapy, respiratory therapy, speech, voice and swallowing therapy, occupational therapy, and new technologies, such as the use of exergames. The current treatment of patients with cerebellar ataxias, especially neurodegenerative forms, genetic or not, should include these different forms of rehabilitation, with the main objective of improving the quality of life of patients.

Efeito da técnica de sobrearticulação na voz e na fala em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson após cirurgia de estimulação cerebral profunda / Effect of overarticulation technique in voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease with deep brain stimulation

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar o efeito imediato e após 15 minutos da técnica de sobrearticulação de fala em indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, submetidos à estimulação cerebral profunda em núcleo subtalâmico, nos parâmetros de voz, fala e mímica facial. Métodos Participaram 29 sujeitos com diagnóstico médico de doença de Parkinson, sob tratamento medicamentoso e submetidos à estimulação cerebral profunda em núcleo subtalâmico, com e sem reabilitação fonoaudiológica prévia. Realizou-se gravação em áudio e vídeo de amostra de fala e voz em três momentos: pré-intervenção, pós-imediato e após 15 minutos da realização individual de cinco minutos de uma sequência de exercícios de sobrearticulação de fala. As gravações foram submetidas à avaliação perceptivo-auditiva da voz e perceptivo-visual da mímica facial. Resultados A técnica produziu resultados positivos em 69% dos casos, após 15 minutos de aplicação, em relação aos demais momentos. O parâmetro que mais contribuiu para a identificação da melhor emissão na avaliação perceptivo-auditiva foi articulação (69%), significativamente maior que os demais parâmetros, exceto velocidade de fala. A análise perceptivo-visual mostrou melhora em 58,6% dos casos após 15 minutos, também significativamente melhor que os demais momentos. O parâmetro em que se observou maior proporção de melhora foi na movimentação de boca, sobrancelhas e olhos. Conclusão A técnica de sobrearticulação de fala produz efeito positivo imediato nos aspectos vocais e uma maior expressividade facial, principalmente após 15 minutos de realização.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the immediate and after 15 minutes effect of the overarticulation technique in individuals with Parkinson's disease, submitted to deep brain stimulation in subthalamic nucleus, in the voice, speech and facial movements. Methods This study counted with 29 patients with the diagnosis of Parkinson Disease who were undergoing pharmacotherapy and were submitted to deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus, with and without prior speech therapy. Speech and voice samples were recorded in an audio and video file at three different moments: pre-intervention, immediate post intervention and 15 minutes post intervention. The intervention was the individual performance of 5 minutes exercise consisting of sequence of overarticulation techniques. The audio and video recordings were submitted to the perceptual-judgement of the voice quality and facial movements. Results The technique produced positive results in 69% of the cases after 15 minutes of its application when compared to the other moments. Articulation was the parameter that most contributed in the perceptual-judgment of the best voice quality (69%); it was significantly higher than the other parameters, except speech rate. After 15 minutes of the technique, 58.6% of the patients had improvement in the facial movements, according to the perceptual-judgment which was also significantly better when compared to other moments. The parameter with greater provement was movement of the mouth, eyebrows and eyes. Conclusion The overarticulation technique produces an immediate positive effect on vocal aspects and greater facial expressiveness, especially after 15 minutes.

Group climate in the voice therapy of patients with Parkinson's Disease. / Clima de grupo na terapia vocal de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson.

PURPOSE: To verify the impact that group dynamics and coaching strategies have on the PD patients voice, speech and communication, as well as the group climate. METHODS: 16 individuals with mild to moderate dysarthria due to the PD were divided into two groups: the CG (8 patients), submitted to traditional therapy with 12 regular therapy sessions plus 4 additional support sessions; and the EG (8 patients), submitted to traditional therapy with 12 regular therapy sessions plus 4 sessions with group dynamics and coaching strategies. The Living with Dysarthria questionnaire (LwD), the self-evaluation of voice, speech and communication, and the perceptual-auditory analysis of the vocal quality were assess in 3 moments: pre-traditional therapy (pre); post-traditional therapy (post 1); and post support sessions/coaching strategies (post 2); in post 1 and post 2 moments, the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ) was also applied. RESULTS: CG and EG showed an improvement in the LwD from pre to post 1 and post 2 moments. Voice self-evaluation was better for the EG - when pre was compared with post 2 and when post 1 was compared with post 2 - ranging from regular to very good; both groups presented improvement in the communication self-evaluation. The perceptual-auditory evaluation of the vocal quality was better for the EG in the post 1 moment. No difference was found for the GCQ; however, the EG presented lower avoidance scores in post 2. CONCLUSION: All patients showed improvement in the voice, speech and communication self-evaluation; EG showed lower avoidance scores, creating a more collaborative and propitious environment for speech therapy.

Myofunctional therapy improves adherence to continuous positive airway pressure treatment.

PURPOSE: Few studies have investigated myofunctional therapy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of myofunctional therapy on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) adherence. METHODS: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01289405). Male patients with OSAS were randomly divided into four treatment groups: placebo, patients undergoing placebo myofunctional therapy (N = 24); myofunctional therapy, undergoing myofunctional therapy (N = 27); CPAP, undergoing treatment with CPAP (N = 27); and combined, undergoing CPAP therapy and myofunctional therapy (N = 22). All patients underwent evaluations before and after 3 months of treatment evaluation and after 3 weeks of washout. Evaluations included Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), polysomnography, and myofunctional evaluation. RESULTS: The 100 men had a mean age of 48.1 ± 11.2 years, body mass index of 27.4 ± 4.9 kg/m2, ESS score of 12.7 ± 3.0, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 30.9 ± 20.6. All treated groups (myofunctional therapy, CPAP, and combined myofunctional therapy with CPAP) showed decreased ESS and snoring, and the myofunctional therapy group maintained this improvement after the "washout" period. AHI reduction occurred in all treated groups and was more significant in CPAP group. The myofunctional therapy and combined groups showed improvement in tongue and soft palate muscle strength when compared with the placebo group. The association of myofunctional therapy to CPAP (combined group) showed an increased adherence to CPAP compared with the CPAP group. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in patients with OSAS, myofunctional therapy may be considered as an adjuvant treatment and an intervention strategy to support adherence to CPAP.

Clima de grupo na terapia vocal de pacientes com Doença de Parkinson / Group climate in the voice therapy of patients with Parkinson's Disease

RESUMO Objetivo Verificar impacto de estratégias de coaching e de dinâmica dos grupos na voz, fala, comunicação e clima do grupo de pacientes com DP. Método Participaram 16 indivíduos com disartria leve a moderada por DP, divididos em: GC (8 pacientes), terapia tradicional (12 sessões mais 4 de reforço), e GE (8 pacientes), terapia tradicional (12 sessões) acrescida de 4 sessões de estratégias de coaching de dinâmica dos grupos. Foi aplicado questionário Vivendo com Disartria - VcD, além de autoavaliação da voz, fala e comunicação e análise perceptivo-auditiva da voz, nos momentos: pré-terapia, pós-terapia tradicional (pós 1) e pós-reforço/estratégias de coaching (pós 2); no pós 1 e 2 foi aplicado o Questionário Clima de Grupo - QCG. Resultados GC e GE apresentaram melhores escores do VcD, comparando pré com pós 1 e pós 2. A autoavaliação da voz foi melhor no GE, comparando pré com pós 2 e pós 1 com pós 2, de regular para muito boa; ambos apresentaram melhora na autoavaliação da comunicação. A análise perceptivo-auditiva foi diferente entre os grupos no pós 1, com vozes melhores no GE. Sem diferença em QCG; contudo, GE apresentou menor evitação no pós 2. Conclusão Pacientes apresentaram melhor autoavaliação da voz, fala e comunicação nas duas modalidades de terapia; GE mostrou redução na evitação, tornando o ambiente mais colaborativo e propício para a terapia fonoaudiológica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To verify the impact that group dynamics and coaching strategies have on the PD patients voice, speech and communication, as well as the group climate. Methods 16 individuals with mild to moderate dysarthria due to the PD were divided into two groups: the CG (8 patients), submitted to traditional therapy with 12 regular therapy sessions plus 4 additional support sessions; and the EG (8 patients), submitted to traditional therapy with 12 regular therapy sessions plus 4 sessions with group dynamics and coaching strategies. The Living with Dysarthria questionnaire (LwD), the self-evaluation of voice, speech and communication, and the perceptual-auditory analysis of the vocal quality were assess in 3 moments: pre-traditional therapy (pre); post-traditional therapy (post 1); and post support sessions/coaching strategies (post 2); in post 1 and post 2 moments, the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ) was also applied. Results CG and EG showed an improvement in the LwD from pre to post 1 and post 2 moments. Voice self-evaluation was better for the EG - when pre was compared with post 2 and when post 1 was compared with post 2 - ranging from regular to very good; both groups presented improvement in the communication self-evaluation. The perceptual-auditory evaluation of the vocal quality was better for the EG in the post 1 moment. No difference was found for the GCQ; however, the EG presented lower avoidance scores in post 2. Conclusion All patients showed improvement in the voice, speech and communication self-evaluation; EG showed lower avoidance scores, creating a more collaborative and propitious environment for speech therapy.

Communicative aspects and coping strategies in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PURPOSE: To investigate, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), the coping strategies; the most reported vocal symptoms; and the relation between coping, voice symptoms, and communicative aspects. METHODS: Seventy-three subjects were included in the sample, 33 of which were participants in the experimental group (EG) with diagnosis of PD and 40 were control subjects, that is, healthy and without vocal complaints. They underwent the following procedures: application of Voice Symptoms Scale (VoiSS), Brazilian Version; Voice Disability Coping Questionnaire (VDCQ), Brazilian Version; and the questionnaire Living with Dysarthria (LwD). RESULTS: The EG presented deviations in all protocols: VDCQ, with the most frequently coping strategy being "self-control," VoiSS, with "Impairment" as the most prevalent domain, and LwD, presenting changes in all sections. Vocal signs and symptoms and communicative aspects were shown to have a regular correlation with coping. The correlation between vocal symptoms and communicative aspects was as follows: the greater the impairment in communication, the greater the VoiSS emotional scores and the more they complaint of voice-related signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients with PD use all kinds of coping strategies, but prefer using self-control. They present several vocal signs and symptoms, and "Impairment" was the most prevalent domain. There are difficulties in all aspects of communication. The higher the occurrence of vocal signs and symptoms, the more the patient reports the difficulties of living with dysarthria, particularly when deviations affect the emotional domain.

Aspectos comunicativos e enfrentamento da disfonia em pacientes com doença de Parkinson / Communicative aspects and coping strategies in patients with Parkinson's disease

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar as estratégias de enfrentamento utilizadas por indivíduos com doença de Parkinson (DP), os sintomas vocais mais relatados, os problemas de comunicação mais presentes e a relação entre o tipo de enfrentamento, os sintomas vocais e os aspectos comunicativos. Métodos: Participaram 73 indivíduos, 33 do grupo experimental, com diagnóstico de DP e apresentando desvio vocal, e 40 do grupo controle (GC), saudáveis, sem desvio vocal. Eles foram submetidos aos seguintes procedimentos: aplicação do Protocolo de Estratégias de Enfrentamento das Disfonias (PEEDBR), da Escala de Sintomas Vocais (ESV) e do Questionário Vivendo com Disartria (VcD). Resultados: O grupo experimental (GE) apresentou desvios em todos os protocolos: PEEDBR, sendo a estratégia de enfrentamento mais utilizada a de "Autocontrole", ESV, com o domínio prevalente "Limitação", e VcD, com alteração em todas as seções. O PEEDBR apresentou correlação regular com a ESV e o VcD. Já entre o Questionário VcD e a ESV, verificouse relação direta entre o escore total do VcD e o escore total e o domínio emocional da ESV. Conclusão: Pacientes com DP usam todos os tipos de estratégias de enfrentamento, principalmente "Autocontrole". Eles possuem grande quantidade de sinais e sintomas vocais, e "Limitação" foi o domínio mais predominante. Há presença de dificuldades em todos os aspectos que abrangem sua comunicação. Quanto maior a ocorrência de sinais e sintomas vocais, mais o paciente refere ser difícil viver com a disartria, particularmente quando há desvios no domínio emocional.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate, in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), the coping strategies; the most reported vocal symptoms; and the relation between coping, voice symptoms, and communicative aspects. Methods: Seventy-three subjects were included in the sample, 33 of which were participants in the experimental group (EG) with diagnosis of PD and 40 were control subjects, that is, healthy and without vocal complaints. They underwent the following procedures: application of Voice Symptoms Scale (VoiSS), Brazilian Version; Voice Disability Coping Questionnaire (VDCQ), Brazilian Version; and the questionnaire Living with Dysarthria (LwD). Results: The EG presented deviations in all protocols: VDCQ, with the most frequently coping strategy being "selfcontrol," VoiSS, with "Impairment" as the most prevalent domain, and LwD, presenting changes in all sections. Vocal signs and symptoms and communicative aspects were shown to have a regular correlation with coping. The correlation between vocal symptoms and communicative aspects was as follows: the greater the impairment in communication, the greater the VoiSS emotional scores and the more they complaint of voice-related signs and symptoms. Conclusion: Patients with PD use all kinds of coping strategies, but prefer using self-control. They present several vocal signs and symptoms, and "Impairment" was the most prevalent domain. There are difficulties in all aspects of communication. The higher the occurrence of vocal signs and symptoms, the more the patient reports the difficulties of living with dysarthria, particularly when deviations affect the emotional domain.

Model of oronasal rehabilitation in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome undergoing rapid maxillary expansion: Research review.

Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) is a widely used practice in orthodontics. Scientific evidence shows that RME can be helpful in modifying the breathing pattern in mouth-breathing patients. In order to promote the restoration of physiological breathing we have developed a rehabilitation program associated with RME in children. The aim of the study was a literature review and a model of orofacial rehabilitation in children with obstructive sleep apnea undergoing treatment with rapid maxillary expansion. Muscular training (local exercises and general ones) is the key factor of the program. It also includes hygienic and behavior instructions as well as other therapeutic procedures such as rhinosinusal washes, a postural re-education (Alexander technique) and, if necessary, a pharmacological treatment aimed to improve nasal obstruction. The program should be customized for each patient. If RME is supported by an adequate functional rehabilitation, the possibility to change the breathing pattern is considerably amplified. Awareness, motivation and collaboration of the child and their parents, as well as the cooperation among specialists, such as orthodontist, speech therapist, pediatrician and otolaryngologist, are necessary conditions to achieve the goal.

Effect of speech therapy as adjunct treatment to continuous positive airway pressure on the quality of life of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) exhibit reduced quality of life (QoL) due to their daytime symptoms that restricted their social activities. The available data for QoL after treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are inconclusive, and few studies have assessed QoL after treatment with speech therapy or other methods that increase the tonus of the upper airway muscles or with a combination of these therapies. The aim of our study was to assess the effect of speech therapy alone or combined with CPAP on QoL in patients with OSA using three different questionnaires. METHODS: Men with OSA were randomly allocated to four treatment groups: placebo, 24 patients had sham speech therapy; speech therapy, 27 patients had speech therapy; CPAP, 27 patients had treatment with CPAP; and combination, 22 patients had treatment with CPAP and speech therapy. All patients were treated for 3 months. Participants were assessed before and after treatment and after 3 weeks of a washout period using QoL questionnaires (Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire [FOSQ], World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQoL-Bref], and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-36]). Additional testing measures included an excessive sleepiness scale (Epworth sleepiness scale [ESS]), polysomnography (PSG), and speech therapy assessment. RESULTS: A total of 100 men aged 48.1±11.2 (mean±standard deviation) years had a body mass index (BMI) of 27.4±4.9 kg/m(2), an ESS score of 12.7±3.0, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 30.9±20.6. After treatment, speech therapy and combination groups showed improvement in the physical domain score of the WHOQoL-Bref and in the functional capacity domain score of the SF-36. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that speech therapy alone as well as in association with CPAP might be an alternative treatment for the improvement of QoL in patients with OSA.

Voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson s Disease during amplification, delay and masking situations.

BACKGROUND: individuals with Parkinson's disease present voice and speech alterations, especially regarding loudness and speech rate. AIM: to determine the immediate effect of modified auditory feedback: amplification, delay and masking in the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease, according to gender. METHOD: twenty-six subjects with Parkinson's disease (15 men and 11 women) with ages ranging between 40 and 86 years (mean age of 69 years) participated in the study. The speech material consisted of the counting from twenty to zero, four times, in four different listening conditions: habitual, amplified, delayed and masked. The following parameters were selected for the auditory-perceptual analysis: vocal quality, loudness, pitch, overall strain level, speech rate and articulation. The assessment was carried out by five Speech-Language Pathologists specialists in voice. The following parameters were selected for the acoustic analysis: fundamental frequency, intensity and maximum phonation time. RESULTS: regarding the auditory-perceptual analysis, an improvement in vocal quality, increase in loudness and overall strain level was observed in the masking situation. On the other hand, a decrease in vocal quality, a decrease in loudness and overall strain level, a decrease in speech rate and in articulation precision was observed in the amplification and delay situations. In the acoustic analysis, an increase in the fundamental frequency and vocal intensity was observed in the masking situation and an increase of the maximum phonation time was observed in the delay situation. CONCLUSION: the masking situation presents better immediate effect in the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease while the amplification and delay situations do not produce satisfactory immediate modifications.

Voz e fala de Parkinsonianos durante situações de amplificação, atraso e mascaramento / Voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson´s Disease during amplification, delay and masking situations

TEMA: indivíduos com doença de Parkinson apresentam alterações de voz e fala, principalmente em relação à loudness e velocidade de fala. OBJETIVO: verificar o efeito imediato do monitoramento auditivo modificado: amplificação, atraso e mascaramento na voz e fala de indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, de acordo com os sexos. MÉTODO: 26 indivíduos com doença de Parkinson, 15 homens e 11 mulheres, com faixa etária entre 40 e 86 anos e idade média de 69 anos. O material de fala consistiu na contagem de vinte a zero, quatro vezes, em quatro diferentes situações de escuta: habitual, amplificada, atrasada e mascarada. Para análise perceptivo-auditiva foram selecionados os seguintes parâmetros: qualidade vocal, loudness, pitch, nível geral de tensão, velocidade de fala e articulação. A avaliação foi realizada por cinco fonoaudiólogas especialistas em voz. Para a análise acústica foram selecionados os seguintes parâmetros: freqüência fundamental, intensidade e tempo máximo de fonação. RESULTADOS: Por meio da análise perceptivo-auditiva, verificou-se melhora da qualidade vocal, aumento da loudness, maior tensão e melhor articulação na situação de mascaramento; piora da qualidade vocal, redução da loudness, menor tensão, lentificação na velocidade de fala e piora na articulação nas situações de atraso e amplificação. Na análise acústica, observou-se aumento da freqüência fundamental e intensidade vocal sob mascaramento e aumento do tempo máximo de fonação sob atraso. CONCLUSÃO: A situação de mascaramento produz melhores efeitos imediatos na voz e na fala dos indivíduos com doença de Parkinson e as situações de amplificação e atraso não produzem modificações imediatas satisfatórias.

BACKGROUND: individuals with Parkinson's disease present voice and speech alterations, especially regarding loudness and speech rate. AIM: to determine the immediate effect of modified auditory feedback: amplification, delay and masking in the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease, according to gender. METHOD: twenty-six subjects with Parkinson's disease (15 men and 11 women) with ages ranging between 40 and 86 years (mean age of 69 years) participated in the study. The speech material consisted of the counting from twenty to zero, four times, in four different listening conditions: habitual, amplified, delayed and masked. The following parameters were selected for the auditory-perceptual analysis: vocal quality, loudness, pitch, overall strain level, speech rate and articulation. The assessment was carried out by five Speech-Language Pathologists specialists in voice. The following parameters were selected for the acoustic analysis: fundamental frequency, intensity and maximum phonation time. RESULTS: regarding the auditory-perceptual analysis, an improvement in vocal quality, increase in loudness and overall strain level was observed in the masking situation. On the other hand, a decrease in vocal quality, a decrease in loudness and overall strain level, a decrease in speech rate and in articulation precision was observed in the amplification and delay situations. In the acoustic analysis, an increase in the fundamental frequency and vocal intensity was observed in the masking situation and an increase of the maximum phonation time was observed in the delay situation. CONCLUSION: the masking situation presents better immediate effect in the voice and speech of individuals with Parkinson's disease while the amplification and delay situations do not produce satisfactory immediate modifications.