Quantitative ultrasound of submental and masticatory muscles in children with cerebral palsy.

Purpose: Quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) is potentially valuable as a diagnostic tool in central neurological disorders, as it provides information about changes in muscle architecture. This study aimed to investigate whether ultrasound images of the submental and masticatory muscles in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP) differ from those obtained in a reference group, and whether observed ultrasound abnormalities differ between subgroups of children with different Eating and Drinking Ability Classification System (EDACS) levels to support its construct validity.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 25 children with spastic CP aged 3-18 years.

The Non-Speech Oral Movement Assessment for Children.

Introduction: Examination of oral movements is often part of an assessment undertaken by a speech and language therapist (SLT). Until now, there have been no specific instruments or tests with reference values for typically developing children in Dutch that exclusively evaluate non-speech oral movements in young children. Therefore, a non-speech oral motor observation list was designed to attempt to bridge this gap: the Non-Speech Oral Movement Assessment for Children (NOMAC).

Validity and reliability of visual assessment of orofacial muscle ultrasound images using a modified Heckmatt scale.

Introduction/aims: Orofacial muscle ultrasound images can be evaluated quantitatively or using a visual grading system. Quantitative muscle ultrasound (QMUS) is currently the most sensitive technique to detect pathology, but can be time-consuming. The aim of this study was to investigate the validity and reliability of two visual grading systems (the original Heckmatt scale or a modified 3-point version) for the optimal grading of orofacial muscle images.

Swallowing Problems in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Types 2 and 3: A Clinical, Videofluoroscopic and Ultrasound Study.

Background: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a hereditary motor neuron disorder, characterized by the degeneration of motor neurons and progressive muscle weakness. There is a large variability of disease severity, reflected by the classification of SMA types 1-4.

Objective: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the nature of swallowing problems and underlying mechanisms in patients with SMA types 2 and 3, and the relationship between swallowing and mastication problems.

Best practice recommendations for speech-language pathology in children with neuromuscular disorders: A Delphi-based consensus study.

Purpose: Speech-language pathology (SLP) is considered an essential intervention due to the high prevalence of dysphagia and dysarthria in paediatric neuromuscular disorders (pNMD). Evidence-based guidelines for SLP in pNMD are missing and children could be deprived the best of care. This study aimed to achieve consensus and present best practice recommendations on SLP intervention in pNMD.