Post-COVID-19 condition: systemic inflammation and low functional exercise capacity.

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) is characterised by a plethora of symptoms, with fatigue appearing as the most frequently reported. The alterations that drive both the persistent and post-acute disease newly acquired symptoms are not yet fully described. Given the lack of robust knowledge regarding the mechanisms of PCC we have examined the impact of inflammation in PCC, by evaluating serum cytokine profile and its potential involvement in inducing the different symptoms reported. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 227 participants who were hospitalised with acute COVID-19 in 2020 and came back for a follow-up assessment 6-12 months after hospital discharge. The participants were enrolled in two symptomatic groups: Self-Reported Symptoms group (SR, n = 96), who did not present major organ lesions, yet reported several debilitating symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and persistent loss of sense of smell and taste; and the Self-Reported Symptoms and decreased Pulmonary Function group (SRPF, n = 54), composed by individuals with the same symptoms described by SR, plus diagnosed pulmonary lesions. A Control group (n = 77), with participants with minor complaints following acute COVID-19, was also included in the study. Serum cytokine levels, symptom questionnaires, physical performance tests and general clinical data were obtained in the follow-up assessment. Results: SRPF presented lower IL-4 concentration compared with Control (q = 0.0018) and with SR (q = 0.030), and lower IFN-α2 serum content compared with Control (q = 0.007). In addition, SRPF presented higher MIP-1ß serum concentration compared with SR (q = 0.029). SR presented lower CCL11 (q = 0.012 and q = 0.001, respectively) and MCP-1 levels (q = 0.052 for both) compared with Control and SRPF. SRPF presented lower G-CSF compared to Control (q = 0.014). Female participants in SR showed lower handgrip strength in relation to SRPF (q = 0.0082). Male participants in SR and SRPF needed more time to complete the timed up-and-go test, as compared with men in the Control group (q = 0.0302 and q = 0.0078, respectively). Our results indicate that different PCC symptom profiles are accompanied by distinct inflammatory markers in the circulation. Of particular concern are the lower muscle function findings, with likely long-lasting consequences for health and quality of life, found for both PCC phenotypes.

Data-driven, cross-disciplinary collaboration: lessons learned at the largest academic health center in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted global research efforts to reduce infection impact, highlighting the potential of cross-disciplinary collaboration to enhance research quality and efficiency. Methods: At the FMUSP-HC academic health system, we implemented innovative flow management routines for collecting, organizing and analyzing demographic data, COVID-related data and biological materials from over 4,500 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection hospitalized from 2020 to 2022. This strategy was mainly planned in three areas: organizing a database with data from the hospitalizations; setting-up a multidisciplinary taskforce to conduct follow-up assessments after discharge; and organizing a biobank. Additionally, a COVID-19 curated collection was created within the institutional digital library of academic papers to map the research output. Results: Over the course of the experience, the possible benefits and challenges of this type of research support approach were identified and discussed, leading to a set of recommended strategies to enhance collaboration within the research institution. Demographic and clinical data from COVID-19 hospitalizations were compiled in a database including adults and a minority of children and adolescents with laboratory confirmed COVID-19, covering 2020-2022, with approximately 350 fields per patient. To date, this database has been used in 16 published studies. Additionally, we assessed 700 adults 6 to 11 months after hospitalization through comprehensive, multidisciplinary in-person evaluations; this database, comprising around 2000 fields per subject, was used in 15 publications. Furthermore, thousands of blood samples collected during the acute phase and follow-up assessments remain stored for future investigations. To date, more than 3,700 aliquots have been used in ongoing research investigating various aspects of COVID-19. Lastly, the mapping of the overall research output revealed that between 2020 and 2022 our academic system produced 1,394 scientific articles on COVID-19. Discussion: Research is a crucial component of an effective epidemic response, and the preparation process should include a well-defined plan for organizing and sharing resources. The initiatives described in the present paper were successful in our aim to foster large-scale research in our institution. Although a single model may not be appropriate for all contexts, cross-disciplinary collaboration and open data sharing should make health research systems more efficient to generate the best evidence.

Analysis of cumulative risk predictors for persistent stuttering: family perception and amount of speech disruptions. / Análise de preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente: percepção familiar e quantidade de rupturas da fala.

PURPOSE: To investigate two independent variables considered as two possible predictors of cumulative risk for persistent stuttering: family perception of stuttering and amount of speech disruptions. METHODS: Participants were 452 children, aged 3 to 11:11 years, male and female, divided into 4 groups: group 1 (SCG), composed of 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and family complaint of stuttering; group 2 (SWCG), 42 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and without family complaint of stuttering; group 3 (FCG), 94 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2. 9% with family complaints of stuttering and group 4 (FWCG), 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2.9 without family complaints of stuttering. RESULTS: For the SCG group, there was a significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions typical of stuttering. In this group, there was a predominance of male children. For the SWCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FWCG group, there was a significant relation between the absence of a family complaint of stuttering and the reduced number of speech disruptions. CONCLUSION: The percentage of speech disruptions ≥ 3% is a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. The percentage of speech disruptions ≤ 2.9% associated with syllable and sound repetitions can be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of syllable and sound repetitions may be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of stuttering alone should not be considered an indicator of persistent stuttering.

OBJETIVO: Pesquisar duas variáveis independentes consideradas como possíveis preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente (GP): percepção familiar da gagueira e quantidade de rupturas da fala. MÉTODO: Participaram 452 crianças, com idade entre 3 a 11:11 anos, de ambos os gêneros, divididos em 4 grupos: grupo 1 (GGQ), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 2 (GGS), 42 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e sem queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 3 (FQ), 94 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9% com queixa familiar de gagueira e grupo 4 (FS), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9 sem queixa familiar de gagueira. RESULTADOS: Para o grupo GGQ há relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala típicas da gagueira e houve predominância de crianças do sexo masculino. Para o grupo GGS não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FQ não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FS houve relação significante entre a ausência de queixa familiar de gagueira e a reduzida quantidade de rupturas de fala. CONCLUSÃO: O percentual de rupturas ≥3% é um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de rupturas do tipo repetições pode ser um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de gagueira, isoladamente, não deve ser considerada como indicador de GP.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). RESULTS: The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. CONCLUSION: The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

Análise de preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente: percepção familiar e quantidade de rupturas da fala / Analysis of cumulative risk predictors for persistent stuttering: family perception and amount of speech disruptions

RESUMO Objetivo Pesquisar duas variáveis independentes consideradas como possíveis preditores de risco cumulativo para a gagueira persistente (GP): percepção familiar da gagueira e quantidade de rupturas da fala. Método Participaram 452 crianças, com idade entre 3 a 11:11 anos, de ambos os gêneros, divididos em 4 grupos: grupo 1 (GGQ), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 2 (GGS), 42 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≥3% e sem queixa familiar de gagueira; grupo 3 (FQ), 94 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9% com queixa familiar de gagueira e grupo 4 (FS), 158 crianças com percentual de rupturas gagas ≤2.9 sem queixa familiar de gagueira. Resultados Para o grupo GGQ há relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala típicas da gagueira e houve predominância de crianças do sexo masculino. Para o grupo GGS não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FQ não houve relação significante entre a queixa familiar de gagueira e quantidade de rupturas de fala. Para o grupo FS houve relação significante entre a ausência de queixa familiar de gagueira e a reduzida quantidade de rupturas de fala. Conclusão O percentual de rupturas ≥3% é um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de rupturas do tipo repetições pode ser um indicador de risco para a GP. A queixa familiar de gagueira, isoladamente, não deve ser considerada como indicador de GP.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate two independent variables considered as two possible predictors of cumulative risk for persistent stuttering: family perception of stuttering and amount of speech disruptions. Methods Participants were 452 children, aged 3 to 11:11 years, male and female, divided into 4 groups: group 1 (SCG), composed of 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and family complaint of stuttering; group 2 (SWCG), 42 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≥ 3% and without family complaint of stuttering; group 3 (FCG), 94 children who presented percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2. 9% with family complaints of stuttering and group 4 (FWCG), 158 children who presented a percentage of stuttered speech disruptions ≤ 2.9 without family complaints of stuttering. Results For the SCG group, there was a significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions typical of stuttering. In this group, there was a predominance of male children. For the SWCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FCG group, there was no significant relationship between family complaints of stuttering and the number of speech disruptions. For the FWCG group, there was a significant relation between the absence of a family complaint of stuttering and the reduced number of speech disruptions. Conclusion The percentage of speech disruptions ≥ 3% is a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. The percentage of speech disruptions ≤ 2.9% associated with syllable and sound repetitions can be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of syllable and sound repetitions may be a risk indicator for persistent stuttering. Family complaints of stuttering alone should not be considered an indicator of persistent stuttering.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit / Caracterização das habilidades de alimentação e marcadores clínicos de recém-nascidos prematuros com gastrosquise em unidade de terapia neonatal

ABSTRACT Objective To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). Results The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. Conclusion The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

RESUMO Objetivo Descrever os achados clínicos e de alimentação de prematuros com gastrosquise (GTQ) em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal comparando-os a recém-nascidos (RNs) prematuros sem anomalias congênitas. Método Foi realizado estudo caso controle de caráter retrospectivo com 50 RNs prematuros (25 com GTQ e 25 sem comorbidades - grupo controle). Os RNs foram comparados quanto aos dados demográficos clínicos: risco de mortalidade e de avaliação fonoaudiológica (sucção não nutritiva e nutritiva). Posteriormente foi aplicado o modelo de regressão logística múltipla a fim de determinar as variáveis associadas ao desfecho fonoaudiológico negativo (alta fonoaudiológica após mais de 7 dias considerando a primeira avaliação fonoaudiológica). Resultados Os resultados da primeira análise indicaram que houve diferença entre o GTQ e o GC para as seguintes variáveis: tempo total em dias de internação; uso de ventilação mecânica (invasiva x não invasiva); dias de vida na data da primeira avaliação fonoaudiológica; uso de via alternativa de alimentação, sendo que o grupo GTQ apresentou piores resultados. Os resultados da regressão logística múltipla indicaram que o diagnóstico de GTQ, uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva e ausência de pressão intraoral adequada durante a primeira avaliação fonoaudiológica foram fatores de risco para o desfecho fonoaudiológico negativo. Conclusão As habilidades de alimentação dos prematuros com GTQ está relacionada à gravidade do quadro (complicações do trato gastro digestivo), exigindo maior tempo de internação, uso de ventilação mecânica invasiva, uso prolongado de via alternativa de alimentação e necessidade de mais atendimento fonoaudiológico para iniciar a alimentação por via oral.

Characteristics of postintubation dysphagia in ICU patients in the context of the COVID-19 outbreak: A report of 920 cases from a Brazilian reference center.

The purpose of this research was to identify risk factors that were independently related to the maintenance of a swallowing dysfunction in patients affected by critical COVID-19. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of critical patients with COVID-19, who were admitted to a COVID-19 dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) and required prolonged orotracheal intubation (≥48 hours). Demographic and clinical data were collected at ICU admission and/or at hospital discharge or in-hospital death. Swallowing data was based on The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and was collected at two distinct moments: initial swallowing assessment and at patient outcome. Patients were divided into two groups according to their FOIS level assigned on the last swallowing assessment: in-hospital resolved dysphagia-patients with FOIS levels 6 and 7; non-resolved dysphagia at hospital outcome-patients with FOIS levels 1 to 5. Nine hundred and twenty patients were included in our study. Results of the multivariate logistic regression model for the prediction of non-resolved dysphagia at hospital outcome in critical COVID-19 patients. indicated that increasing age (p = 0.002), severity at admission (p = 0.015), body mass index (p = 0.008), use of neuromuscular blockers (p = 0.028), presence of neurologic diseases (p = 0.038), presence of Diabetes Mellitus (p = 0.043) and lower FOIS levels on the initial swallowing assessment (p<0.001) were associated with higher chances of presenting dysphagia at hospital outcome. Critical patients with COVID-19 may experience post-acute COVID-19 dysphagia, indicating the need to prepare for the care/rehabilitation of these patients.

Risk Factors for the Development of Persistent Stuttering: What Every Pediatrician Should Know.

Early identification and adequate treatment of children who stutter is important, since it has an impact on speech development. Considering the importance of aiding pediatricians to recognize children at risk for developing persistent stuttering, the aim of the present study was to correlate speech fluency characteristics of children, whose parents reported stuttering behaviors, to the risk factors of persistent stuttering. The participants were 419 children aged 2:0 to 11:11 years, who were divided into two groups: children with stuttering complaints (CSC), composed of children whose parents reported the presence of stuttering behaviors; and children with no stuttering complaint (CNSCs), composed of children with no stuttering behaviors. Risk variables were gathered based on a questionnaire answered by parents involving the following variables: sex, presence of family history of stuttering, whether stuttering behaviors were observed for more than 12 months, whether stuttering behaviors began before 5 years of age, increased effort to speak (i.e., syllable and sound repetitions and fixed articulatory positions), negative family attitude towards the child's speech, and negative attitude towards the child's own speech. The diagnosis of stuttering was determined by a formal speech assessment by a pathologist (SLP). The risk analysis indicated that increased effort to speak, negative family attitude towards the child's speech, and complaints of stuttering for more than 12 months were associated with a higher risk of stuttering in children. Therefore, when pediatricians are faced with complaints about the presence of stuttering behaviors and these factors are present, they should immediately refer the patient to an SLP for specific assessment.

A influência da hereditariedade na ocorrência de variáveis preditoras na gagueira crônica do desenvolvimento / The influence of heredity on the predictor variables of chronic developmental stuttering

RESUMO Objetivo Testar a variável da hereditariedade familiar para a gagueira crônica do desenvolvimento (GCD) como preditora de efeito direto no desfecho da fluência da fala em crianças. Métodos Participaram do estudo 200 crianças, de 2 a 12 anos, de ambos os gêneros, sem distinção de raça e nível sócio-econômico-cultural, que apresentaram queixa de GCD, sem outras intercorrências de linguagem e/ou audição, no período de cinco anos. Os 200 participantes deste estudo foram divididos em três grupos (baixo risco para GCD, médio risco para GCD e alto risco para GCD) conforme os indicadores de risco aferidos pelo Protocolo de risco para a gagueira do desenvolvimento. Para determinação da variável de controle (hereditariedade positiva para a gagueira) foi considerado afetado o participante que apresentava familiar de primeiro grau (pai, mãe, irmãos) que se auto identificava como pessoa com gagueira. Todos os participantes foram avaliados segundo o Protocolo de risco para a gagueira do desenvolvimento e pela Avaliação do Perfil da Fluência de Fala. Resultados Os grupos de baixo, médio e alto risco para GCD com hereditariedade positiva não se diferenciaram estatisticamente dos grupos de baixo, médio e alto risco para GCD com hereditariedade negativa para nenhuma das variáveis demográficas e resultado da análise do Perfil de Fluência da Fala. Conclusão A variável hereditariedade não indicou o grau de risco na manifestação da fala nem identificou, decisivamente, as crianças em risco de persistência para a GCD.

ABSTRACT Purpose To test if the variable family heredity for chronic developmental stuttering (CDS) is a direct predictor of the speech fluency outcome in children. Methods Participants of the study were 200 children, between 2 and 12 years of age, of both genders, with no racial and socioeconomic distinction, diagnosed with a complaint of CDS, and with no language and/or hearing comorbidity, over a period of 5 years. Participants were divided in three study groups (low risk for CDS, moderate risk for CDS, and high risk for CDS) according to the risk indicators determined by the Risk Protocol for Developmental Stuttering. In order to determine the control variable (positive heredity for stuttering), we considered the participant as being affected if he/she presented a first-degree family member (father, mother, siblings) who self-declared themselves as a person who stuttered. All of the participants were assessed according to Risk Protocol for Developmental Stuttering and to The Speech Fluency Profile Assessment. Results No significant difference was observed for the demographic variables and for the results on The Fluency Profile Assessment among the groups with mild, moderate and high risk of stuttering when comparing the groups with positive and negative family heredity. Conclusion The variable family heredity did not indicate the risk level for the manifestation of stuttering and also did not identify those at risk of presenting CDS.

Functional development of swallowing in ICU patients with COVID-19. / Evolução funcional da deglutição em pacientes com COVID-19 internados em UTI.

PURPOSE: to describe de functional development of swallowing in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients with COVID-19, who were submitted to a swallowing intervention. METHODS: participants of the study were 77 patients (both gender, mean age 53.4±15.9; score on the Glasgow Coma Scale ≥14 and stable respiratory condition). The functional scale of swallowing used for assessment was the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS). RESULTS: the results indicate that there was a significant recovery of the functional swallowing patterns when comparing the measurements pre and post swallowing intervention. CONCLUSION: 83% of the patients needed up to 3 swallowing interventions to recover a safe swallowing pattern.

OBJETIVO: descrever a evolução funcional da deglutição em pacientes com COVID-19 submetidos à intervenção fonoaudiológica na Unidade de Tratamento Intensivo (UTI). MÉTODO: participaram do estudo 77 pacientes (ambos os gêneros; idade média 53.4±15.9; escore na Escala de Coma de Glasgow ≥14; e condição respiratória estável). A escala funcional utilizada para a avaliação da deglutição foi a American Speech-Language-Hearing Association National Outcome Measurement System (ASHA NOMS). RESULTADOS: os resultados indicam que houve recuperação significativa nos padrões funcionais da deglutição na comparação pré e pós-intervenção fonoaudiológica. CONCLUSÃO: 83% dos pacientes necessitam de até 3 intervenções para a recuperação dos padrões seguros de deglutição.

Comparison between the speech performance of fluent speakers and individuals who stutter. / Comparação da performance de fala em indivíduos gagos e fluentes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the speech performance of fluent speakers and individuals who stutter during spontaneous speech, automatic speech, and singing. METHODS: The study sample was composed of 34 adults, 17 individuals who stutter and 17 fluent controls, matched for gender and age. The speech performance of participants was compared by means of three tasks: monologue, automatic speech, and singing. The following aspects were assessed: total number of common disruptions and total number of stuttering-like disruptions. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was observed only for the monologue task in both intra- and inter-group comparisons. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of this study indicate that tasks of higher motor and melodic complexities, such as the monologue task, negatively affect the speech fluency of both fluent speakers and individuals who stutter.

Comparação da performance de fala em indivíduos gagos e fluentes / Comparison between the speech performance of fluent speakers and individuals who stutter

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a performance de fala do indivíduo com gagueira e do indivíduo fluente em tarefa de fala espontânea, tarefa de fala automática e a tarefa de canto. Método Participaram deste estudo 34 adultos, 17 com gagueira e 17 fluentes, pareados por gênero e idade. O estudo comparou o desempenho dos participantes em três tarefas de fala: monólogo, fala automática e canto. Foi analisado o número total de rupturas comuns e gagas. Resultados A tarefa de monólogo foi a única que apresentou diferenças estatisticamente significativas, tanto nas comparações intragrupos quanto nas comparações intergrupos. Conclusão O estudo mostrou que tarefas de maior complexidade motora e melódica, como a tarefa de monólogo, prejudica a fluência da fala, tanto em indivíduos com gagueira quanto em indivíduos fluentes.

ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to compare the speech performance of fluent speakers and individuals who stutter during spontaneous speech, automatic speech, and singing. Methods The study sample was composed of 34 adults, 17 individuals who stutter and 17 fluent controls, matched for gender and age. The speech performance of participants was compared by means of three tasks: monologue, automatic speech, and singing. The following aspects were assessed: total number of common disruptions and total number of stuttering-like disruptions. Results Statistically significant difference was observed only for the monologue task in both intra- and inter-group comparisons. Conclusion The outcomes of this study indicate that tasks of higher motor and melodic complexities, such as the monologue task, negatively affect the speech fluency of both fluent speakers and individuals who stutter.

Randomized clinical trial: the use of SpeechEasy® in stuttering treatment.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefit of devices delivering altered auditory feedback (AAF) as a therapeutic alternative for those who stutter. AIMS: The effectiveness of a device delivering AAF (SpeechEasy®) was compared with behavioural techniques in the treatment of stuttering in a randomized clinical trial. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Two groups of adults who stutter participated: group 1 consisted of 10 men and one woman aged 21-42 years (mean = 30.0). Group 2 consisted of six men and one woman aged 20-50 years (mean = 35.6). Participants in group 1 were fit with a SpeechEasy® device and were not given any additional training (i.e., supplementary fluency enhancing techniques). Participants used the device daily for 6 months. Participants in group 2 received treatment in the form of a 12-week fluency promotion protocol with techniques based on both fluency shaping and stuttering modification. OUTCOMES & RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (p > .05) between groups in participants' stuttered syllables following treatment. That is, both therapeutic protocols achieved approximately 40% reduction in number of stuttered syllables from baseline measures, with no significant relapse after 3 or 6 months post-treatment. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS: The results suggest that the SpeechEasy® device can be a viable option for the treatment of stuttering.

Comparison of different speech tasks among adults who stutter and adults who do not stutter.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared the performance of both fluent speakers and people who stutter in three different speaking situations: monologue speech, oral reading and choral reading. This study follows the assumption that the neuromotor control of speech can be influenced by external auditory stimuli in both speakers who stutter and speakers who do not stutter. METHOD: Seventeen adults who stutter and seventeen adults who do not stutter were assessed in three speaking tasks: monologue, oral reading (solo reading aloud) and choral reading (reading in unison with the evaluator). Speech fluency and rate were measured for each task. RESULTS: The participants who stuttered had a lower frequency of stuttering during choral reading than during monologue and oral reading. CONCLUSIONS: According to the dual premotor system model, choral speech enhanced fluency by providing external cues for the timing of each syllable compensating for deficient internal cues.

Comparison of different speech tasks among adults who stutter and adults who do not stutter

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we compared the performance of both fluent speakers and people who stutter in three different speaking situations: monologue speech, oral reading and choral reading. This study follows the assumption that the neuromotor control of speech can be influenced by external auditory stimuli in both speakers who stutter and speakers who do not stutter. METHOD: Seventeen adults who stutter and seventeen adults who do not stutter were assessed in three speaking tasks: monologue, oral reading (solo reading aloud) and choral reading (reading in unison with the evaluator). Speech fluency and rate were measured for each task. RESULTS: The participants who stuttered had a lower frequency of stuttering during choral reading than during monologue and oral reading. CONCLUSIONS: According to the dual premotor system model, choral speech enhanced fluency by providing external cues for the timing of each syllable compensating for deficient internal cues.

Diadococinesia sequencial em crianças fluentes e com gagueira desenvolvimental persistente: análise da velocidade e tipo do erro da consoante alvo / Sequential diadochokinesis in fluent and stuttering children: rate of production and type of errors

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a performance motora oral complexa em crianças com gagueira persistente do desenvolvimento e em crianças fluentes, a partir do cálculo da velocidade de produção da diadococinesia sequencial (DDK/SMR) e análise da tipologia de desvio da consoante alvo. Métodos Participaram do estudo 46 crianças com idades entre 4 anos e 11 anos e 11 meses, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Pesquisa (GI), composto por 23 crianças com diagnóstico de gagueira; Grupo Controle (GII), composto por 23 crianças fluentes, pareadas por gênero e idade aos participantes do GI. Para cada participante, foram coletadas e gravadas três amostras de DDK/SMR em janelas de 15 segundos cada, sendo analisadas, posteriormente, a velocidade de produção articulatória, o número e os tipos de erros apresentados nas amostras. Resultados Os grupos não se diferenciaram em nenhuma das variáveis testadas, ou seja, apresentaram desempenhos semelhantes quanto à velocidade de produção articulatória, quanto ao número de erros e quanto aos tipos de erros (o desvio da consoante alvo mais frequente foi a inversão, para ambos os grupos). Conclusão As crianças com gagueira do desenvolvimento e as crianças fluentes apresentaram desempenho semelhante nas variáveis testadas, sugerindo que a prova de diadococinesia sequencial não foi eficiente para auxiliar na identificação precoce da gagueira em crianças.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare the oral motor performance of stuttering and fluent children based on the production rate of sequential diadochokinesis (DDK) and on the type of errors. Methods Participants were 46 children, aged between 4 years and 11 years and 11 months, divided into two groups: Research Group (GI), composed of 23 children with persistent developmental stuttering; Control Group (GII), composed of 23 fluent children, paired by age and gender to participants of GI. For each participant, three samples of sequential DDK were recorded in 15-second windows. These samples were later analyzed considering articulatory rate, and number and type of consonant errors per sample. Results The groups did not present significant differences when considering the analyzed variables. Both fluent and stuttering children presented similar performances for articulatory rate and consonant errors (i.e., the most frequent type of error was consonant exchange). Conclusion Children with developmental stuttering and their fluent peers presented similar performances in all of the tested variables, suggesting that sequential DDK was not enough to identify the stuttering group.

Impacto do uso do SpeechEasy® nos parâmetros acústicos e motores da fala de indivíduos com gagueira / The effect of the SpeechEasy® device on acoustic and speech motor parameters of adults who stutter

Objetivo Investigar variações nas habilidades motoras da fala em adultos com e sem gagueira, utilizando o dispositivo de alteração do feedback auditivo SpeechEasy®. Métodos Participaram 20 adultos, dez com gagueira (nove do gênero masculino e um do feminino – média 30,9 anos) e dez controles fluentes (nove do gênero masculino e um do feminino – média 25,2 anos). O estudo comparou o desempenho dos participantes em quatro tarefas: fala espontânea, diadococinesia alternada, diadococinesia sequencial e emissão de frase alvo, com e sem o dispositivo. Os aspectos analisados acusticamente foram: (1) tarefas de diadococinesia: duração das sílabas, período médio entre as sílabas, pico de intensidade e taxa de diadococinesia; (2) tarefa de emissão da frase alvo: tempo de reação, duração do voice onset time, duração total da emissão, frequência fundamental e intensidade. Resultados Tanto na comparação intragrupos quanto intergrupos, apenas a tarefa de fala espontânea apresentou diferenças significativas. Nesta tarefa, o uso do SpeechEasy® resultou em melhora significativa da fluência de fala, medida pela porcentagem de sílabas gaguejadas, para o grupo com gagueira. Para o grupo fluente, o dispositivo produziu o efeito oposto (aumento significativo na frequência de rupturas gagas com o dispositivo). Os resultados encontrados quanto aos aspectos acústicos das tarefas de diadococinesia e emissão da frase alvo não indicaram diferença significativa nas comparações intragrupos e intergrupos. Conclusão Os resultados indicaram que o uso do SpeechEasy® melhorou a fluência dos participantes com gagueira, sem parecer interferir na naturalidade de fala. .

Purpose To investigate variations in speech motor skills in adults who stutter and those who do not, using the SpeechEasy® altered auditory feedback device. Methods Twenty adults participated, 10 of whom stuttered (nine males and one female - mean age 30.9 years) and 10 of whom were fluent controls (nine males and one female - mean age 25.2 years). The study compared the performance of participants in four tasks: spontaneous speech, alternating diadochokinesis, sequential diadochokinesis and target phrase production, with and without the device. The following variables were analyzed acoustically: (1) diadochokinesis tasks: syllable duration, mean duration between syllables, peak intensity and diadochokinesis rate; (2) target phrase production task: reaction time, voice onset time (VOT) duration, total production duration, fundamental frequency and intensity. Results The spontaneous speech task was the only task to show significant differences in both the intragroup and intergroup comparisons. In this task, the use of SpeechEasy® resulted in significant improvement in speech fluency, as measured by the percentage of stuttered syllables, for the group who stuttered. For the fluent group, the device produced the opposite effect: a significant increase in the frequency of stuttered disfluencies was observed with the device. No significant differences were found in either intragroup or intergroup comparisons relating to the acoustic aspects of the diadochokinesis and target phrase production tasks. Conclusion The results indicated that the use of SpeechEasy® improved the fluency of participants who stutter, without appearing to interfere with speech naturalness. .

Purpose To investigate variations in speech motor skills in adults who stutter and those who do not, using the SpeechEasy® altered auditory feedback device. Methods 1 2 Results The spontaneous speech task was the only task to show significant differences in both the intragroup and intergroup comparisons. In this task, the use of SpeechEasy® resulted in significant improvement in speech fluency, as measured by the percentage of stuttered syllables, for the group who stuttered. For the fluent group, the device produced the opposite effect: a significant increase in the frequency of stuttered disfluencies was observed with the device. No significant differences were found in either intragroup or intergroup comparisons relating to the acoustic aspects of the diadochokinesis and target phrase production tasks. Conclusion The results indicated that the use of SpeechEasy® improved the fluency of participants who stutter, without appearing to interfere with speech naturalness. .

Self-perception of people who stutter regarding their experiences and results of stuttering treatments.

PURPOSE: To investigate the opinion about stuttering treatments in people who stutter, based on their answers to two open questions. METHODS: The participants were 40 adults of both genders, with self-reported stuttering. During the first phase of the research, we contacted two Brazilian nongovernmental organizations: the Brazilian Stuttering Association (ABRAGAGUEIRA) and the Brazilian Fluency Institute (IBF). These associations agreed to participate and were responsible for sending the research questions to their members via electronic mail. The first contact with the participants elucidated the purpose and method of our research and, after obtaining informed consent from participants, the two questions were sent. The research questions involved their opinion about cure, treatments to which the participants had been submitted, and their outcome. RESULTS: After analysis, the answers obtained indicated that people who stutter believe in a cure for stuttering; that the ideal therapy would be the one that led to the disappearance of the symptoms; and the most frequently reported professional to treat the disorder is the speech-language pathologist. The results also indicated that although most of the participants had undergone speech-language treatment for stuttering, neither significant improvements were observed nor satisfaction was positive. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the answers presented by the participants were not based on scientific knowledge about the disorder but on their wish that "something could happen" to make stuttering "disappear." Although in this study we did not investigate the type of treatment to which the patients were submitted, the results suggest that the factors that contribute to an effective treatment are contentious.