Breathing Exercises for Speech Issues in Children

Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Hypernasal Speech in Children

Recruiting N/A Interventional Study
Velopharyngeal Insufficiency Velopharyngeal Incompetence Due to Cleft Palate Inadequate Velopharyngeal Closure Palatopharyngeal Incompetence Hypernasality
No Placebo Group Every participant receives an active treatment — no one gets a placebo.
Ready to participate?

Review the details below, then apply to join this clinical trial.

At a Glance
Age
5 – 17
Sex
Any
Study type
Interventional
Purpose
Treatment
Participants needed
30 (estimated)
Sponsor
Noel Jabbour · Other
Who this trial is looking for

This trial is looking for children aged 5 to 17 who have difficulty with speech due to a soft palate issue. Participants will do breathing exercises to see if they can improve their speech.

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

You may be able to join if

  • I am between 5 and 17 years old.
  • I have a score of 2 or greater on a speech assessment.

You may not be able to join if

  • I have had previous speech surgery.
  • I have speech surgery scheduled within the next 56 days.
  • I am unable or unwilling to perform the exercises in the study.
  • I have a hypernasality score of less than 2.

Summarized in plain language from this trial's official eligibility criteria. The full criteria are further down this page — only the research team can confirm whether you qualify.

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About This Trial

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.

Trial Locations
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Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Score of 2 or greater on the nasality/resonance domain of the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scale * Ages 5-17 years Exclusion Criteria: * CAPS-A-AM hypernasality score \<2 * Previous speech surgery (e.g. palatoplasty or pharyngeal flap for speech) * Speech surgery scheduled wit…
Contacts

Amber D Shaffer, PhD

412-692-6874

shafferad@upmc.edu

CONTACT