Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Hypernasal Speech in Children
Expiratory Muscle Strength Training as a Non-surgical Option for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Randomized-controlled Trial
Noel Jabbour
30 participants
Mar 3, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
When the soft palate does not move enough because of a cleft palate or for unknown reasons, this can lead to a speech difference called velopharyngeal insufficiency. The purpose of this research study is to test if soft palate exercises using a hand help breathing device will help improve the ability of the soft palate to close the area between the throat and nose and help improve speech.
Eligibility
Plain Language Summary
Simplified for easier understanding
This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.
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Interventions
At visit 1, participants will be block randomized based on PWSS score (5-6 or 7+) to Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) for 6 to 8 weeks or no exercises. Participants in the EMST-150 group will perform 5 sets of 5 resistive expirations once a day with a 10-15 second rest between each repetition and a 1-2 minute rest between each set of 5 repetitions.
At visit 2, participants with improved (decreased) CAPS-A hypernasality rating of 1 or more points, for whom the family and/or surgeon is not currently considering surgical intervention for VPI, will be further randomized to continue "maintenance" EMST exercises or no exercises for 6 months. Participants in the "maintenance" group will complete 3-5 sessions exercise sessions each week (rather than daily training), with 2 sets of 5 resistive expirations (rather than 5 sets)
Locations(1)
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NCT05492266