Vocal characteristics during child development: perceptual-auditory and acoustic data.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze perceptual-auditory and acoustic characteristics of children's voices of different age ranges. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety-three 3- to 10-year-old children grouped from 3 to 5, 6 to 7, and 8 to 10 years served as participants. The severity of vocal deviation and the parameters of roughness, breathiness, strain, and instability were assessed using a visual analog scale. We calculated the mean and standard deviation of fundamental frequency (F0), jitter, shimmer, and glottal-to-noise excitation ratio for the sustained vowel, and the mean of F0 variability for connected speech. RESULTS: The most affected voices were in the age range 8-10 years, and only the phonation tension level was reduced as a result of aging. There were significant differences between children aged 3-5 years and the other age ranges for F0 mean for sustained vowels and F0 variability. CONCLUSION: Children aged 8-10 years had the highest severity of vocal deviation. There was a significant reduction of phonation tension and measure of F0, jitter, and shimmer after the age of 5 years.

Urica-VV Scale: A New Research Perspective of The Stage of Readiness for Treatment in Patients with Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVE: To obtain evidence of validity for the URICA-V scale and estimate the psychometric properties of its items based on item response theory (IRT). METHOD: A total of 658 individuals of both sexes over 18 years of age were allocated into two groups: with dysphonia group (WDG) and vocally healthy group (VHG). A digital database was constructed with personal and professional data and item-by-item responses on the URICA-V scale. Subsequently, Cronbach's alpha, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), application of IRT using Samejima's model and ROC curve analysis were used to obtain the cutoff point for the URICA-V scale. RESULTS: A different version of the original URICA-V scale was obtained. Of the 32 items from the original protocol, 25 better explained the instrument and were regrouped into two domains: contemplation and maintenance. It was possible to identify which items generated higher difficulty (b) and discrimination (a) values and which contributed to the presentation of a calculation based on the theta of each participant. The ROC curve was analyzed, and a cutoff point of -0.236 was established; establishing a cutoff point facilitates the decision of which individuals are in a state of readiness for voice treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study provided evidence that allows us to propose the URICA-Voice validated (URICA-VV) scale within a more contemporary perspective and with a reduced number of items and domains. In addition, a cutoff point was obtained based on IRT to measure, with greater accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, the stage of readiness and to differentiate individuals who have an indication for speech therapy.

Evidence of concurrent and predictive criterion validity of the Child Communication Screening Instrument from 0 to 36 months (IRC-36). / Evidências de validade de critério concorrente e preditiva do Instrumento de Rastreio da Comunicação de Crianças de 0 a 36 meses (IRC-36).

PURPOSE: To determine evidence of concurrent and predictive criterion validity of the Communication Screening Instrument for children aged 0 to 36 months (IRC-36). METHODS: 78 parents/guardians of children who attend the childcare service of the Family Health Centers participated in the research, in addition to 33 children aged between 0 and 36 months, invited to the second stage of the study. In its first stage, 13 health professionals were trained to apply the IRC-36 to the children's parents/guardians. In the second moment, the parents responded to a new IRC-36 application, and the children were evaluated with Denver II. RESULTS: IRC-36 correlated with Denver II in more than half of the cases, confirming the instrument's concurrent criterion validity. IRC-36 results in the first stage did not significantly correlate with Denver II. The instrument's cutoff value was 12, which is the reference value between children at risk and not at risk of communication disorders. The instrument had high sensitivity and an accuracy value within the recommended levels. The occurrence of risk of communication changes was higher in the second IRC-36 application. CONCLUSION: The study presented evidence of concurrent criterion validity, indicating that the instrument has evidence of accuracy and validity measures to screen communication in children aged 0 to 36 months, being able to identify the risk for communication disorders.

OBJETIVO: Determinar evidências de validade de critério concorrente e preditiva do Instrumento de Rastreio da Comunicação de crianças de 0 a 36 meses (IRC-36). MÉTODO: Participaram da pesquisa 78 pais/responsáveis de crianças que frequentam o serviço de puericultura das Unidades de Saúde da Família, além de 33 crianças com idades entre 0 e 36 meses, convidadas para segunda etapa do estudo. Na primeira etapa do estudo, 13 profissionais de saúde foram treinados para realizar a aplicação do IRC-36 nos pais/responsáveis das crianças. No segundo momento, os pais responderam a uma nova aplicação do IRC-36 e as crianças foram avaliadas com o Denver II. RESULTADOS: O IRC-36 apresentou correlação com o Denver II em mais da metade dos casos, confirmando a validade de critério concorrente do instrumento. Os resultados do IRC-36 da primeira etapa quando correlacionados com o Denver II, não apresentaram valores significativos. O valor de ponto de corte do instrumento foi 12, sendo este o valor de referência entre crianças em risco e sem risco para alteração da comunicação. O instrumento apresentou valor de acurácia dentro dos níveis preconizados e alta sensibilidade. A ocorrência de risco para alteração da comunicação apresentou-se maior na segunda aplicação do IRC-36. CONCLUSÃO: O estudo apresentou evidências de validade de critério concorrente, indicando que o instrumento possui evidências de medidas de acurácia e de validade para o rastreio da comunicação de crianças de 0 a 36 meses sendo capaz de identificar risco para as alterações da comunicação.

Voice and Self-Regulation: Integrating Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the relationship between self-regulation and voice behavior according to national and international literature. METHODS: A literature survey was performed using the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. The search terms used were the following: self-regulation, self-control, combined with voice, voice disorders, and dysphonia, in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Articles that addressed self-regulation and voice behavior or voice disorders published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese were included, without restriction of date. The variables preselected for the data organization were authors, database, country, impact factor, journal, type of study, sample size, sample characteristics, methods for data collection, group comparison, objective, and outcome. RESULTS: A total of 10,176 articles were identified in the databases, of which 10 were selected based on title, read in full, and kept for data analysis. The studies were found predominantly in American journals and were published between 2013 and 2019. The United States published most articles, and the predominant methodological aspect was observational and cross-sectional. CONCLUSION: Despite the small number of articles, the studies analyzed can show self-regulation as an important factor in vocal behavior and call attention to its performance in voice disorders.

Auditory Perception of Roughness and Breathiness by Dysphonic Women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the auditory perception of roughness and breathiness by dysphonic women. METHODS: Twenty-two dysphonic native Brazilian Portuguese women participated in this research. All participants underwent audiological evaluation and laryngeal examination to confirm the diagnosis. During the tests, they recorded the sustained vowel /Ɛ/. A speech-language pathologist performed the auditory-perceptual judgment of voice quality for these vocal samples, categorizing the general degree of vocal deviation (mild, moderate, and severe degree) and the predominant type of deviation (roughness or breathiness). Thirty-two (32) stimuli were selected from a voice database, including twenty-four (24) dysphonic voice samples and eight (8) voice samples from vocally healthy women. The authors conducted five perception experiments, being three categorization tasks (normal vs. deviated, breathy vs. nonbreathy, rough vs. nonrough) and two tasks for discriminating the degree of deviation (roughness degree and breathiness degree). RESULTS: The experiments showed a difference between the answers for presence/absence of deviation, presence/absence of breathiness, and presence/absence of roughness in the stimuli, and a difference in the proportion of similar answers of dysphonic women (P < 0.001) regarding the identification of the deviation. Participants classified a large part of the deviated (57.9%), breathy (63.13%), and rough (65.31%) voices as normal. The degree of vocal deviation (P = 0.008) and the degree of roughness in the stimuli correlated positively with the proportion of similar answers of the participants. As for the discrimination of breathiness degrees, less deviated (normal and mild) voices were less discriminated, and more deviated (moderate and severe) voices were better discriminated. Regarding the discrimination of roughness degrees, only the voices with severe deviations showed good discrimination. CONCLUSION: Dysphonic women had a high rate of not similar answers in the identification of normal and deviated voices. They identified more than half of the deviated voices as normal. Samples with more severe deviations were proportionally more identified as deviated by the participants. The greater the vocal deviation of the participants' voices, the smallest the number of similar answers. Participants had a high rate of not similar answers in the identification of normal and breathy voices. Dysphonic women show less ability to perceive mildly and moderately breathy voices in the breathy category. Participants had a high rate of similar answers in the identification of normal and rough voices. Dysphonic women show less ability to perceive mildly and moderately breathy voices in the breathy category. Participants show less ability to perceive only mildly roughness voices with similar responses. Dysphonic women could discriminate between voices with adjacent degrees of roughness but had a low percentage of similar answers for discrimination between voices with adjacent degrees of breathiness.

Evidence of Internal Consistency in the Spectrographic Analysis Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the validity in the internal consistency in the spectrographic analysis protocol (SAP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-nine students of the Speech-Language Pathology graduate program and 38 speech-language pathologists, specialized in voice, participated in the study. The participants made visual inspections of 10 spectrograms and marked the items of the SAP. For analysis of the internal consistency in the SAP, the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis were performed. RESULTS: Most items showed corrected item-total correlation above 0.3, indicating that the items have a good relationship with each other and with the SAP as a whole. Six items presented values below the average, suggesting the exclusion of these from the construct. However, three of these were maintained because they were judged as important parameters in clinical practice, requiring the training of judges when using the SAP to properly understand the items. The EFA regrouped the previous domains of the SAP into three factors. All items presented a factor load above 0.4, suggesting the retention of all, except for the items previously indicated, for exclusion. The confirmatory factor analysis corroborated with the EFA and its indexes. CONCLUSION: The SAP has good internal consistency. All items have a good degree of relationship with each other and contribute positively to the protocol as a whole. The final version of the SAP, at this stage, has 15 items (from the 25 items of the initial SAP version), distributed among three domains.

Effects of photobiomodulation associated with orofacial myofactional therapy on temporomandibular joint dysfunction. / Efeitos da fotobiomodulação associada à terapia miofuncional orofacial na disfunção temporomandibular muscular.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of photobiomodulation associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in patients with temporomandibular muscle disorders (TMD). METHODS: Randomized, blinded trial clinical study with a sample of eleven women with muscle TMD divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) consisted of five women submitted to orofacial myofunctional therapy associated with photobiomodulation, and the control group (CG) consisted of six women submitted to orofacial myofunctional therapy associated with inactive photobiomodulation (placebo). The intervention was performed in the following twelve sessions: one evaluation, ten speech therapy sessions associated with photobiomodulation, and one reevaluation. For outcomes, investigation on pain perception using the visual analogue scale (VAS), investigation of palpation sensitivity with the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), and quality of life (QOL) verification through oral health impact profile - short form (OHIP-14) were considered. RESULTS: The EG increased measurements of mandibular movements of opening and protrusion and improved in the evaluation of QOL. CONCLUSION: Orofacial myofunctional therapy, when associated with photobiomodulation, contributed to increase the range of mandibular movements, with important improvements in the perception of quality of life and with significant improvement in the painful conditions of volunteers with TMD.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a influência da fotobiomodulação associada à terapia miofuncional orofacial (TMO) em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular muscular (DTM). MÉTODO: Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo ensaio-clínico randomizado e cego, com uma amostra de 11 mulheres com DTM muscular, dividida em dois grupos. O Grupo Experimental (GE) composto por 05 voluntárias submetidas à TMO associada à fotobiomodulação, e o Grupo Controle Positivo (GC) composto por 06 mulheres submetidas à TMO associada à fotobimodulação inativa (placebo). A intervenção foi realizada em 12 sessões: uma avaliação, 10 sessões de fonoterapia associada à fotobiomodulação, e uma reavaliação. Para os desfechos foram consideradas a investigação da percepção de dor, com a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), a investigação da sensibilidade à palpação com o protocolo Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), e a verificação da qualidade de vida (QV) por meio do protocolo Oral Health Impact Profle ­ short form (OHIP-14). RESULTADOS: o GE teve aumento nas medidas dos movimentos de abertura e de protrusão mandibular, e evidenciou melhora na avaliação da QV. CONCLUSÃO: A TMO quando associada à fotobiomodulação contribuiu no aumento da amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares e com ganhos importantes na percepção da qualidade de vida, e com melhora significativa nos quadros dolorosos das voluntárias com DTM.

Group Voice Therapy Reduces Anxiety in Patients With Dysphonia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of group therapy in patients with dysphonia, as well as to verify the correlation between vocal symptoms and levels of anxiety. METHODS: The study was composed of 52 patients subdivided into two groups, named the Experimental Group (EG) with 28 volunteers and the Control Group (CG) with 24 volunteers. Anxiety and voice protocols were used for data collection. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was used to measure trait levels of anxiety that after collection were categorized according to the variation in scores value: low anxiety (20-40 points); average anxiety (40-60 points); high anxiety (60-80 points). In addition, the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) was used for voice assessment. Inferential statistical analysis from the Student's t test for paired and independent data, in order to compare the average scores of STAI trait levels and VoiSS domains of the pre- and postmoments, intra- and intergroups, EG and CG, respectively. For that purpose, the program Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. RESULTS: Half of the patients in the survey presented an average trait level of anxiety. Regarding the EG, there was a significant reduction of state anxiety when comparing the moments before and after group therapy. There was also a significant reduction in the values of the VoiSS-Total and VoiSS-Physical domains when compared to the pre- and postgroup therapy moments. It was verified the existence of a positive correlation between the levels of anxiety after group therapy and VoiSS-Total, VoiSS-Limitation, and VoiSS-Physical domains. As for the CG, there was an increase in anxiety levels as well as in all domains of the VoiSS scale when compared to the pre- and postmoments. CONCLUSIONS: Group voice therapy was effective for a significant reduction of vocal symptoms and anxiety - common conditions in patients with dysphonia. It was possible to perceive the positive correlation between anxiety levels and vocal symptoms.

Auditory attention in individuals with tinnitus.

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is characterized by the presence of a sound in the absence of external sound stimulus. In individuals with normal audiometry, it may be associated with auditory attention difficulty, especially in those who report high tinnitus annoyance. OBJECTIVE: To investigate auditory attention ability in individuals with tinnitus complaint. METHODS: Cross-sectional analytical observational study. We evaluated 30 volunteers with normal hearing (up to 25dBHL): 15 with tinnitus (test group) and 15 with no complaints (control group), aged between 18-40 years. The volunteers answered the tinnitus handicap inventory questionnaire and a visual analogue scale. Subsequently, a basic audiological evaluation (meatoscopy, tonal and vocal audiometry, and imittanciometry) and psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus (loudness and pitch) were performed. To evaluate auditory attention, the following tests were performed: auditory cognitive evoked potential (P300), central auditory processing tests (dichotic digits test and speech-in-noise test) and sustained auditory attention ability test. RESULTS: In the tinnitus handicap inventory, individuals with tinnitus had a mean score of 37.78 (±27.05), characterized as moderate degree. In the dichotic digits test (binaural separation), a difference was observed between the groups in both ears. Moreover, there was a difference in the speech-in-noise test in both ears (RE: p=0.044; LE: p=0.019), in P300 (p=0.049) and in total sustained auditory attention ability test (p=0.032). Also, there is a negative correlation between sustained auditory attention ability test, decrease in attentiveness and binaural integration (RE: p=0.044; LE: p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with tinnitus had a poorer performance compared to the control group regarding auditory attention ability. Therefore, it is inferred that tinnitus is associated with poor performance in selective and sustained auditory attention in the assessed volunteers. These aspects should be considered for the management of patients with tinnitus.

Vocal Acoustic and Auditory-Perceptual Characteristics During Fluctuations in Estradiol Levels During the Menstrual Cycle: A Longitudinal Study.

Estradiol production varies cyclically, changes in levels are hypothesized to affect the voice. The main objective of this study was to investigate vocal acoustic and auditory-perceptual characteristics during fluctuations in the levels of the hormone estradiol during the menstrual cycle. A total of 44 volunteers aged between 18 and 45 were selected. Of these, 27 women with regular menstrual cycles comprised the test group (TG) and 17 combined oral contraceptive users comprised the control group (CG). The study was performed in two phases. In phase 1, anamnesis was performed. Subsequently, the TG underwent blood sample collection for measurement of estradiol levels and voice recording for later acoustic and auditory-perceptual analysis. The CG underwent only voice recording. Phase 2 involved the same measurements as phase 1 for each group. Variables were evaluated using descriptive and inferential analysis to compare groups and phases and to determine relationships between variables. Voice changes were found during the menstrual cycle, and such changes were determined to be related to variations in estradiol levels. Impaired voice quality was observed to be associated with decreased levels of estradiol. The CG did not demonstrate significant vocal changes during phases 1 and 2. The TG showed significant increases in vocal parameters of roughness, tension, and instability during phase 2 (the period of low estradiol levels) when compared with the CG. Low estradiol levels were also found to be negatively correlated with the parameters of tension, instability, and jitter and positively correlated with fundamental voice frequency.

Evidências de validade de critério concorrente e preditiva do Instrumento de Rastreio da Comunicação de Crianças de 0 a 36 meses (IRC-36) / Evidence of concurrent and predictive criterion validity of the Child Communication Screening Instrument from 0 to 36 months (IRC-36)

RESUMO Objetivo Determinar evidências de validade de critério concorrente e preditiva do Instrumento de Rastreio da Comunicação de crianças de 0 a 36 meses (IRC-36). Método Participaram da pesquisa 78 pais/responsáveis de crianças que frequentam o serviço de puericultura das Unidades de Saúde da Família, além de 33 crianças com idades entre 0 e 36 meses, convidadas para segunda etapa do estudo. Na primeira etapa do estudo, 13 profissionais de saúde foram treinados para realizar a aplicação do IRC-36 nos pais/responsáveis das crianças. No segundo momento, os pais responderam a uma nova aplicação do IRC-36 e as crianças foram avaliadas com o Denver II. Resultados O IRC-36 apresentou correlação com o Denver II em mais da metade dos casos, confirmando a validade de critério concorrente do instrumento. Os resultados do IRC-36 da primeira etapa quando correlacionados com o Denver II, não apresentaram valores significativos. O valor de ponto de corte do instrumento foi 12, sendo este o valor de referência entre crianças em risco e sem risco para alteração da comunicação. O instrumento apresentou valor de acurácia dentro dos níveis preconizados e alta sensibilidade. A ocorrência de risco para alteração da comunicação apresentou-se maior na segunda aplicação do IRC-36. Conclusão O estudo apresentou evidências de validade de critério concorrente, indicando que o instrumento possui evidências de medidas de acurácia e de validade para o rastreio da comunicação de crianças de 0 a 36 meses sendo capaz de identificar risco para as alterações da comunicação.

ABSTRACT Purpose To determine evidence of concurrent and predictive criterion validity of the Communication Screening Instrument for children aged 0 to 36 months (IRC-36). Methods 78 parents/guardians of children who attend the childcare service of the Family Health Centers participated in the research, in addition to 33 children aged between 0 and 36 months, invited to the second stage of the study. In its first stage, 13 health professionals were trained to apply the IRC-36 to the children's parents/guardians. In the second moment, the parents responded to a new IRC-36 application, and the children were evaluated with Denver II. Results IRC-36 correlated with Denver II in more than half of the cases, confirming the instrument's concurrent criterion validity. IRC-36 results in the first stage did not significantly correlate with Denver II. The instrument's cutoff value was 12, which is the reference value between children at risk and not at risk of communication disorders. The instrument had high sensitivity and an accuracy value within the recommended levels. The occurrence of risk of communication changes was higher in the second IRC-36 application. Conclusion The study presented evidence of concurrent criterion validity, indicating that the instrument has evidence of accuracy and validity measures to screen communication in children aged 0 to 36 months, being able to identify the risk for communication disorders.

Characterization of linguistic development of children affected by congenital Zika virus syndrome as compared to typically developing peers / Caracterização do desenvolvimento infantil e linguístico de crianças acometidas da Síndrome Congênita do Zika Vírus comparadas com crianças de desenvolvimento típico

ABSTRACT Purpose: to describe the development, focusing on language, of children affected by congenital Zika syndrome and compare it with that of typically developing children. Methods: a quantitative, observational, cross-sectional, case-control study. Data from the group of children with congenital Zika virus syndrome (case) were matched for sex and age with data from the group of typically developing children without comorbidities (control). The research included 20 parents/guardians of the children in the case group and 20 parents/guardians of the children in the control group, using interview as an adapted instrument. The data underwent descriptive and inferential statistical analysis, through association tests and comparison of means, with the significance level set at 5%. Results: there was a statistical difference in motor, auditory, and language development between the groups, according to the parents' perception. Conclusion: Based on the caregivers' reports, most of the case group communicated non-verbally through babbling, shouting, and eye contact, whereas the minority communicated through dialogue, understood simple orders, and performed imitative behaviors, symbolic play, and shared attention. On the other hand, the control group communicated through complex sentences constructed into narratives.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever o desenvolvimento infantil, com enfoque na linguagem, de crianças acometidas da síndrome congênita do Zika e compará-lo com o de crianças com desenvolvimento típico. Métodos: trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal, do tipo caso-controle, e de natureza quantitativa. Os dados do grupo de crianças com Síndrome Congênita do Zika vírus (caso) foram pareados por sexo e idade com os dados do grupo de crianças sem comorbidades e desenvolvimento típico (controle). Participaram da pesquisa, 20 responsáveis pelas crianças do grupo caso e 20 pelas crianças do grupo controle e o instrumento utilizado foi uma entrevista adaptada. Os dados foram examinados por meio de uma análise estatística descritiva e inferencial por meio de testes de associação e de comparação de médias, com nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: foi observada diferença estatística entre os grupos estudados, referente ao desenvolvimento infantil, no âmbito motor, auditivo e de linguagem, com base na percepção dos pais. Conclusão: diante das informações dos cuidadores, a comunicação da maioria do grupo caso ocorre de forma não verbal por meio de gorjeios, gritos e contato visual; e a minoria comunica-se por diálogo, compreende ordens simples, realiza condutas imitativas, brincar simbólico e tem atenção compartilhada. Diferentemente, o grupo controle comunica-se por meio de frases complexas presentes em narrativas.

Effects of electrostimulation associated with masticatory training in individuals with down syndrome. / Efeitos da eletroestimulação associada ao treino mastigatório em pessoas com síndrome de down.

Purpose Investigate and measure the effects of electrostimulation on the orofacial musculature and on the chewing, breathing and swallowing functions of individuals with Down syndrome. Methods Study participants were 16 individuals with Down syndrome (six males and 10 females) from an institutional extension project aged nine to 25 years. Speech-language pathology assessment was performed using the protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES) pre- and post-intervention. This protocol comprised eight weekly electrostimulation sessions. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) current was used at a frequency of 10Hz in warm-up and 30Hz in application, intermittent stimulation (cycling pulses) with ON-time of 5s and OFF-time of 10s common to both stages, and pulse width of 200µs in warm-up and 250µs in application. Results Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-application of FES regarding cheek appearance (flaccidity and arching), tongue mobility (right and left laterality), and musculature behavior during performance of functions of the stomatognathic system: respiration, deglutition (lip behavior), and mastication (bite and trituration). Conclusion Effects of electrostimulation associated with masticatory training of the masseter muscles were statistically identified, with functional gains in chewing, breathing and swallowing performance in individuals with Down syndrome.

Photobiomodulation in speech-language-hearing therapy: a profile of professional practice and the level of information of Brazilian speech-language-hearing therapists / Fotobiomodulação em fonoaudiologia: o perfil da prática profissional e o nível de informação dos fonoaudiólogos brasileiros

ABSTRACT Purpose: to know the profile of Brazilian speech-language-hearing (SLH) therapists and their level of information on the use of low-level laser photobiomodulation. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with a self-administered online questionnaire related to the professional education, work, and knowledge of SLH therapists on low-level laser photobiomodulation. Two hundred sixty-one speech-language-hearing therapists of both sexes participated in the research. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: the speech-language-hearing therapists had graduated predominantly 10 to 20 years before, their highest degree was mainly specialization, and most of them worked in the fields of oral-motor functions, dysphagia, voice, language, and audiology. Most of them knew photobiomodulation and its use in SLH therapists; also, they agreed on using a low-level laser as a therapeutic resource. Even so, most did not use it in clinical practice, although those who did, reported greater patient adherence. Statistical significance was verified for the association between laser use and access to resolution number 541 of the Federal Speech-Language-Hearing Council, time in the profession, main specialization, and required qualification. Conclusion: the participating speech-language-hearing therapists showed knowledge on low-level laser photobiomodulation and its applicability. However, most of these professionals did not use the resource yet.

RESUMO Objetivo: conhecer o perfil dos fonoaudiólogos brasileiros e o seu nível de informação quanto ao uso da Fotobiomodulação com o Laser de Baixa Potência (LBP). Métodos: estudo observacional, transversal e quantitativo, realizado por meio de um questionário virtual autoaplicado, composto por questões relacionadas à formação, atuação profissional e conhecimentos sobre fotobiomodulação com LBP. Participaram 261 fonoaudiólogos, de ambos os sexos. Os dados foram analisados utilizando estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: os fonoaudiólogos possuíam, predominantemente, 10 a 20 anos de formação, especialização concluída como maior titulação e atuavam principalmente nas áreas de Motricidade Orofacial, Disfagia, Voz, Linguagem e Audiologia. A ampla maioria conhece a fotobiomodulação e a sua aplicação na Fonoaudiologia, bem como concorda com a utilização do LBP como recurso terapêutico. Ainda assim, a maioria não utiliza o recurso na prática clínica, mas os que utilizam relatam melhor adesão do paciente. Verificou-se significância estatística para a associação do uso do laser ao acesso à resolução de nº 541 do Conselho Federal de Fonoaudiologia, ao tempo de profissão, à principal especialização e à capacitação exigida. Conclusão:os fonoaudiólogos participantes do estudo demonstraram apresentar informações sobre a fotobiomodulação com LBP e suas aplicabilidades, entretanto, o recurso ainda não é utilizado pela maioria dos profissionais.

Communicative skills of children with autistic spectrum disorder: clinical and family perception / Habilidades comunicativas em crianças com transtorno do espectro autista: percepção clínica e familiar

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe the communication skills of children with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), considering the clinical and family perspective. Methods: from the point of view of parents and therapists, the language of ten children with ASD was analyzed. All children underwent speech therapy at the outpatient clinic of a Speech Therapy School. Two protocols were used for data collection. Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), which was applied to the children's parents, and Protocol for Assessment of Pragmatic Skills of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders - called Pragmatic Protocol (PP), which was answered by therapists. The data were examined through a descriptive statistical analysis, considering absolute and relative frequency, and inferential statistics, through the Chi-square test, with a 5% of significance for all analyses. Results: an expressive presence of communicative deficits, in the answers presented by the therapists, was seen. In the protocol answered by the parents, it was also possible to observe the same trend, since the children failed to score in several items of Subscale I. Conclusion: parents and therapists evidenced changes in the communicative skills of the children surveyed, and emphasized that therapists, who have technical linguistic knowledge, like parents, can also be good informants about their children's communicative development process.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as habilidades de comunicação de crianças com TEA considerando a perspectiva clínica e familiar. Métodos: foi analisada, a partir do ponto de vista dos pais e terapeutas, a linguagem de 10 crianças com TEA. Todas as crianças estavam em acompanhamento fonoaudiológico no ambulatório de uma Clínica Escola de Fonoaudiologia. Foram utilizados dois protocolos para coleta dos dados. O Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist- ATEC, o qual foi aplicado com os pais das crianças, e o Protocolo de Avaliação de Habilidades Pragmáticas de Crianças com Transtornos do Espectro do Autismo - PAHPEA, o qual foi respondido pelos terapeutas. Após aplicação dos protocolos, os dados foram examinados por meio de uma análise estatística descritiva, utilizando-se da frequência absoluta e relativa, e inferencial por meio do teste de associação Qui-quadrado, com significância de 5% para todas as análises. Resultados: de acordo com as respostas apresentadas pelos terapeutas, uma expressiva presença de déficits comunicativos foi observada. No protocolo respondido pelos pais também foi possível observar a mesma tendência, uma vez que as crianças deixaram de pontuar em vários itens da Subescala I. Conclusão: os pais e terapeutas evidenciaram alterações nas habilidades comunicativas das crianças pesquisadas, ressaltando que, assim como os terapeutas, os quais possuem conhecimento técnico linguístico, os pais também podem ser bons informantes sobre o processo de desenvolvimento comunicativo de seus filhos.

Fotobiomodulação com laser de baixa potência na área de motricidade orofacial: uma análise comparativa a partir do conhecimento dos especialistas / Photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy in the area of orofacial motricity: comparative analysis from the knowledge of specialists

RESUMO Objetivo comparar os conhecimentos e interesses dos fonoaudiólogos especialistas em motricidade orofacial quanto ao uso do laser de baixa potência antes e após a aprovação da Resolução nº 541 do Conselho Federal de Fonoaudiologia. Métodos trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal e quantitativo, de caráter comparativo. Foi composto por dois momentos distintos: uma primeira coleta de dados, realizada em 2016, antes da aprovação da resolução e a segunda coleta, realizada em 2020, após a publicação das normativas. A primeira amostra foi constituída por 25 participantes e a segunda por 49, todos especialistas em motricidade orofacial. O instrumento de coleta consistiu em um formulário online elaborado no Google Forms, composto por questões do perfil do fonoaudiólogo, conhecimentos, interesses e aplicabilidades da fotobiomodulação com o laser de baixa potência. Os dados foram analisados utilizando estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados nos dois momentos, a expressiva maioria dos profissionais indicou saber o que é fotobiomodulação e concordou que o especialista em motricidade orofacial pode atuar com a técnica. Além disso, os profissionais apontaram a disfunção temporomandibular e a paralisia facial como principais casos para aplicações. Foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os resultados obtidos antes e após a publicação da resolução, verificando-se aumento expressivo no acesso à bibliografia, capacitação, conhecimento das normas de biossegurança, acesso ao aparelho de laser e utilização na prática clínica. Conclusão constatou-se mudança no perfil profissional em relação ao uso da fotobiomodulação, com aumento dos conhecimentos, interesses e aplicabilidades pelos especialistas em motricidade orofacial, após a publicação da resolução normativa.

ABSTRACT Purpose To compare knowledge and interest of speech therapists specialized in Orofacial Motricity regarding the use of low-level laser before and after approval of resolution No. 541 by the Brazilian Federal Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Council (CFFa). Methods Cross-sectional observational and quantitative study of comparative character consisting of two distinct moments: first data collection performed in 2016, before approval of the resolution; and second, collection performed in 2020, after publication of the regulation. The first sample consisted of 25 participants and the second of 49, with the entire sample consisting of specialists in Orofacial Motricity. The collection instrument was an online Google Form consisting of questions on the profile of the speech therapist, knowledge, interests, and applicability of photobiomodulation with low-level laser. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results In both moments, the significant majority of professionals indicated knowing what is photobiomodulation, agreed that the Orofacial Motricity specialist can act with the technique and indicated temporomandibular dysfunction and facial paralysis as main applications. Statistically significant differences were found between the results obtained before and after the publication of the resolution, with a significant increase in access to bibliography, training, knowledge of biosafety standards, access to the low-level laser apparatus and use in clinical practice. Conclusion Change in the professional profile regarding the use of photobiomodulation was verified, with increased knowledge, interest, and applicability by Orofacial Motricity specialists after publication of the normative resolution.

Vocabulary performance of children up to 36 months of age with Down syndrome

ABSTRACT Purpose: this study aimed to analyze the vocabulary performance of children with Down syndrome, up to 36 months of age, in different semantic categories. Methods: eighteen children with Down syndrome, between 8 and 36 months of age. Section D of the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory was applied with guardians: First Words and Gestures, in order to obtain expressive and receptive performance in 22 semantic categories. The data were analyzed in a descriptive and inferential manner, using the Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman's correlation and Tukey's range tests (p <0.05). Results: children had higher performance averages in understanding semantic categories than in understanding and expression. The "action words" were the most understood ones, while the "people" category was the most understood and expressed. The greater the chronological age, the greater the children's vocabulary. A statistical difference was found between the understanding of nouns and other categories, according to chronological age, with a greater performance after 24 months of age. Conclusion: children with Down syndrome, up to 36 months of age, perform better in understanding vocabulary in all semantic categories.

Efeitos da fotobiomodulação associada à terapia miofuncional orofacial na disfunção temporomandibular muscular / Effects of photobiomodulation associated with orofacial myofactional therapy on temporomandibular joint dysfunction

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a influência da fotobiomodulação associada à terapia miofuncional orofacial (TMO) em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular muscular (DTM). Método Trata-se de uma pesquisa do tipo ensaio-clínico randomizado e cego, com uma amostra de 11 mulheres com DTM muscular, dividida em dois grupos. O Grupo Experimental (GE) composto por 05 voluntárias submetidas à TMO associada à fotobiomodulação, e o Grupo Controle Positivo (GC) composto por 06 mulheres submetidas à TMO associada à fotobimodulação inativa (placebo). A intervenção foi realizada em 12 sessões: uma avaliação, 10 sessões de fonoterapia associada à fotobiomodulação, e uma reavaliação. Para os desfechos foram consideradas a investigação da percepção de dor, com a Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), a investigação da sensibilidade à palpação com o protocolo Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD), e a verificação da qualidade de vida (QV) por meio do protocolo Oral Health Impact Profle - short form (OHIP-14). Resultados o GE teve aumento nas medidas dos movimentos de abertura e de protrusão mandibular, e evidenciou melhora na avaliação da QV. Conclusão A TMO quando associada à fotobiomodulação contribuiu no aumento da amplitude dos movimentos mandibulares e com ganhos importantes na percepção da qualidade de vida, e com melhora significativa nos quadros dolorosos das voluntárias com DTM.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate the influence of photobiomodulation associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in patients with temporomandibular muscle disorders (TMD). Methods Randomized, blinded trial clinical study with a sample of eleven women with muscle TMD divided into two groups. The experimental group (EG) consisted of five women submitted to orofacial myofunctional therapy associated with photobiomodulation, and the control group (CG) consisted of six women submitted to orofacial myofunctional therapy associated with inactive photobiomodulation (placebo). The intervention was performed in the following twelve sessions: one evaluation, ten speech therapy sessions associated with photobiomodulation, and one reevaluation. For outcomes, investigation on pain perception using the visual analogue scale (VAS), investigation of palpation sensitivity with the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD), and quality of life (QOL) verification through oral health impact profile - short form (OHIP-14) were considered. Results The EG increased measurements of mandibular movements of opening and protrusion and improved in the evaluation of QOL. Conclusion Orofacial myofunctional therapy, when associated with photobiomodulation, contributed to increase the range of mandibular movements, with important improvements in the perception of quality of life and with significant improvement in the painful conditions of volunteers with TMD.

Orofacial myofunctional changes and electromyographic activity of the orbicularis oris muscle in trombonists / Alterações miofuncionais orofaciais e atividade eletromiográfica do músculo orbicular da boca em trombonistas

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze whether trombonists present orofacial myofunctional changes and compare the electrical activity of the orbicularis oris muscle before and after playing their instrument. Methods: an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 20 university trombonists. Data collection involved three steps: application of a questionnaire investigating some peculiarities of trombonists (Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Expanded Scores - OMES-E), and electromyographic analysis of the orbicularis oris muscle before and after performing a piece with the trombone. The mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage were calculated, and the paired Student's t test was used to compare the means of the electromyographic records before and after playing the trombone, at a 5% significance. Results: seventy per cent of trombonists reported some symptom of orofacial myofunctional alteration, namely, muscle compensations, tension, and pain. The myofunctional evaluation showed a mild change in cheek volume (90%) and labial commissure asymmetry (60%). The electrical activity of the lower orbicularis oris muscle decreased significantly after the trombone practice (p = 0.04), while that of the superior orbicularis oris muscle remained unchanged. Conclusion:trombonists show clinical and self-reported oromyofunctional changes as well as decreased electrical activity of the lower orbicularis oris muscle, after playing the trombone.

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar se existem alterações miofuncionais orofaciais clínicas e autorreferidas em trombonistas, assim como comparar a atividade elétrica do músculo orbicular da boca antes e após o uso do trombone. Métodos: estudo transversal e observacional, cuja amostra foi composta por 20 universitários trombonistas. Foi utilizado um questionário que investiga algumas particularidades sobre o instrumentista, da Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial Com Escores Ampliados - AMIOFE-A e análise eletromiográfica do músculo orbicular da boca antes e após execução de uma tarefa com o trombone. Foram calculadas: média, desvio padrão, frequência e porcentagem e utilizou-se o teste t-Student pareado na comparação das médias dos registros eletromiográficos pré e pós-execução do trombone, significância=5%. Resultados: setenta por centro dos trombonistas relataram algum sintoma de alteração miofuncional orofacial, sendo compensações musculares, tensão e dor. Na avaliação miofuncional encontrou-se alteração leve no volume de bochechas (90%) e comissuras labiais com assimetria (60%). Houve redução significante da atividade elétrica do músculo orbicular inferior após a execução de tarefa com trombone (p=0,04), enquanto a do superior permaneceu inalterada. Conclusão: trombonistas apresentam alterações oromiofuncionais clínicas e autorreferidas e diminuição da atividade elétrica do músculo orbicular inferior da boca após uso do trombone.

Efetividade de duas modalidades terapêuticas na redução dos sintomas vocais em pacientes com disfonia comportamental / Effectiveness of two therapeutic modalities in the reduction of vocal symptoms in patients with behavioral dysphonia

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a efetividade da terapia de grupo na redução dos sintomas vocais em pacientes com disfonia comportamental e compará-la a uma modalidade de terapia tradicional/individual. Métodos Trata-se de uma pesquisa explicativa, quantitativa e de intervenção. Participaram 99 pacientes com disfonia comportamental, de ambos os sexos, alocados em dois grupos: Terapia Individual (TI) e Terapia de Grupo (TG). Todos foram submetidos à terapia com abordagem eclética. Foram realizadas oito sessões, sendo a primeira e a última destinadas à avaliação e as outras seis de intervenção. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva e inferencial para comparar os grupos e os momentos pré e pós-intervenção. Resultados A maioria dos participantes era do sexo feminino, não usava a voz profissionalmente e com lesão na porção membranosa da prega vocal. Ambos os grupos apresentavam escores médios semelhantes, no início da terapia, fato que mostra a homogeneidade dos grupos. Houve redução de todos os escores da Escala de Sintomas Vocais (ESV) no momento pós-intervenção individual e em grupo. Não foi observada diferença significativa, ao comparar as médias dos escores da ESV pós-terapia entre os grupos. Em relação aos itens da ESV, foi possível observar que alguns podem não detectar as diferenças entre os momentos pré e pós-intervenção. Conclusão Tanto a TI, quanto a TG foram efetivas na redução significativa dos sintomas vocais. Não houve diferença ao comparar os grupos. Alguns itens da ESV, principalmente no domínio limitação, foram mais sensíveis nos momentos pós-intervenção, em ambas modalidades. O tipo de intervenção influencia a redução dos sintomas vocais.

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of two therapeutic approaches in reducing vocal symptoms in patients with behavioral dysphonia. Methods This was an explanatory, quantitative and interventional study. A total of 99 patients of both sexes with behavioral dysphonia who sought speech therapy participated in this study. These patients were allocated into two groups: individual therapy (IT) and group therapy (GT). All participants were subjected to therapy with an eclectic approach. Eight sessions were conducted, comprising a first and a last session for evaluation, with six intervention sessions in between them. A descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was performed to compare the groups and the moments before and after the intervention. Results The majority of participants were female, and there was a predominance of patients who did not use their voice professionally and who had a diagnosis of a laryngeal lesion in the membranous portion of the vocal fold. It should be noted that patients presented similar mean scores at the beginning of therapy regardless of the group to which they were allocated, which indicated the homogeneity of the groups. There were reductions in all Vocal Symptoms Scale (VoiSS) scores after individual and group therapy. No significant differences were observed when comparing the mean posttherapy VoiSS scores between the groups in either domain. Some VoiSS items were unable to detect differences between the pre- and posttherapy timepoints. Conclusion Individual and group therapeutic modalities are effective in significantly reducing self-reported vocal symptoms. The type of intervention influences the reduction in vocal symptoms. Some items of the VoiSS, mainly in the area of limitations, were more sensitive at the posttherapy timepoint in both modalities.