Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Barriers And Facilitators For Dental Practitioners In Implementing Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: A Scoping Review Protocol, Heuiwon Han, Mina Jawadi

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: Orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) addresses various dental issues and has evolved significantly since its emergence in the early 20^th century. Despite its uses and effectiveness, the adoption of OMT among dental practitioners varies with a lack of comprehensive understanding in the field. This scoping review will aim to map the current evidence on OMT in dentistry, with a focus on the perspectives and attitudes of dental practitioners, as well as the barriers to and facilitators of its implementation in clinical practice.

Method: The planned scoping review adheres to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews guide, with data sourced …

How To Know If A Journal Is Legitimate, Nancy Pearl Solomon

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

In these times of quickly proliferating journals with potentially unscrupulous publishing practices, it is more important than ever to be confident that the journals you rely on for scholarly content and for your own publication needs are legitimate. We are proud to report that the IJOM was thoroughly reviewed by the Committee on Publication Ethics and has been accepted for membership, verifying that the journal maintains a commitment to research and a high level of publication integrity.

Proceedings Of The 2023 Iaom Convention, International Association Of Orofacial Myology

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 2023 Convention in Chandler, Arizona from October 13 - 15. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of podium and poster presentations.

The Use Of A Myofunctional Device In An Aged Care Population For Oral Care And Swallowing: A Feasibility Study, Hollie-Ann L. Shortland, Gwendalyn Webb, Anne E. Vertigan, Sally Hewat

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: Poor oral health is a known predictor of aspiration pneumonia in vulnerable populations such as the elderly and chronically ill. This study examined the feasibility of using myofunctional devices during a 5-week intervention for the management of oral care and dysphagia for residents in a residential aged-care facility.

Method: Feasibility was determined through evaluation of study recruitment and retention rates, adherence to intervention, and resident and staff acceptability of the intervention. Thirteen residents, ages 74–99, participated in the intervention and 10 care staff completed feedback on post-intervention questionnaires.

Results: Enrolment and retention rates were 61.9% and 92.3%, respectively. Adherence …

What Are We Missing In Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea Clinical Evaluation? Review Of Official Guidelines, Eduardo J. Correa, Carlos O´Connor-Reina, Laura Rodriguez-Alcalá, Diego M. Conti, Alberto Rabino, Peter M. Baptista, Maria-Teresa Garcia-Iriarte, Guillermo Plaza

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: This article presents a narrative review of current recommendations for the clinical evaluation and management of adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) to identify points missing from a myofunctional perspective.

Methods: The authors reviewed current official guidelines for adult patients with OSA, searching clinical evaluation and treatment recommendations for myofunctional therapy.

Results: None of the current guidelines for evaluation of adult OSA recommend performing a myofunctional evaluation. Only two guidelines consider myofunctional therapy (MFT) as a treatment modality for adult patients with OSA.

Conclusion: Despite the role of the pharyngeal dilator muscles as an …

Advances And Updates On Open-Access Publishing By The Ijom, Nancy Pearl Solomon

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

An online, open-access, no-fee model of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM) was established in December 2020 and includes all archived articles back to the journal’s origin in 1975. While aiming to increase content for the journal, the Editorial Review Board (ERB) has also been diligent about maintaining high standards for publication. This note From the Editor highlights recent publications, conference proceedings, and special issues. It also lists updates and challenges in terms of policies and practices. The IJOM remains both a traditional association-supported journal and is on the cutting edge of open-access publishing.

Proceedings Of The 2022 Iaom Convention, International Association Of Orofacial Myology

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 2022 Convention in Kansas City, Missouri from October 21 - 23. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of podium and poster presentations.

Proceedings Of The 2022 Icap Conference, International Association Of Orofacial Myology

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The International Consortium of Ankylofrenula Professional (ICAP) held its 2022 Conference in Vancouver, Canada from September 1 to 4, 2022, titled ‘Untangling Ankylofrenula: Collaborative Approaches to Best Practice Management’. The Conference Proceedings includes abstracts and summaries of plenary, concurrent, lightning and virtual presentations.

Review Of A Trip To The Land Of Funny Animals: Oral Motor And Myofunctional Exercises For Toddlers By Hilit Brown, Robyn Merkel-Walsh

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The book A Trip to the Land of Funny Animals: Oral Motor and Myofunctional Exercises for Toddlers by Hilit Brown (illustrated by Karin Berenshtein) is reviewed by a Certified Orofacial Myologist^®. The review lists several strengths and weaknesses of the book and concludes that it may be a useful addition to a therapist's "toolbox." Parents are cautioned to work with a speech therapist before implementing the exercises for further instruction and guidance. In addition, the activities are more appropriate for children closer to the age of 4 years rather than toddlers (ages 1–3).

Functional Nasal Breathing Rehabilitation: Effectiveness And Feasibility Of An Online Integrative Breathing Therapy Protocol, Rosalba Courtney, Roger Engel, Sandra Grace, Anna Potts, Brooke Riordan, Kaitlyn Ireland, Courtney Osbourne, Avinash Sukhtankar

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: Nasal disuse and mouth breathing are associated with negative structural, functional, postural, occlusal, and behavioural changes. While there is some research to suggest that nasal breathing exercises can reduce mouth breathing, clinical protocols have not been extensively investigated. The purpose of this research was to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a nasal breathing rehabilitation protocol based on Integrative Breathing Therapy principles called Functional Nasal Breathing Rehabilitation (FNBR).

Methods: Twenty-three participants with symptoms of nasal obstruction and self-reported mouth breathing completed the 4-week online FNBR training. Outcome measures included the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scale, a numeric rating …

Mental Practice Of Lingual Resistance And Cortical Plasticity In Older Adults: An Exploratory Fnirs Study, Erin Kamarunas, Sarah Szynkiewicz, Lindsay Griffin, Teresa Drulia, Kelsey Murray

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: Mental practice using motor imagery (MP) improves motor strength and coordination in the upper and lower extremities in clinical patient populations. Its effectiveness as a rehabilitation tool for patients with lingual weakness is not yet well understood, nor are the underlying mechanisms within the context of swallow or lingual MP. Using previously published data on a lingual and MP exercise program, the objective of this study was to explore how MP of lingual exercise affects cortical activation in healthy older adults over time and how neural changes correlate with functional oral pressure outcomes.

Method: A prospective randomized controlled study …

Orofacial Myofunctional Assessments In Adults With Malocclusion: A Scoping Review, Samantha C. Washington, Jayanti Ray

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Background: Breathing, chewing, swallowing, sleep, and speech disorders are known to be associated with malocclusions. Assessment protocols using non-instrumental evaluation of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD) in adults with malocclusions are almost nonexistent. Purpose: This scoping review aimed to determine the existence of scientific evidence demonstrating the areas of non-instrumental assessment of OMD in adults with malocclusion. Another purpose was to identify the protocols for assessing the nature of orofacial myofunctional assessments in adults with malocclusion. Methods: An electronic search was performed in the databases: MEDLINE, EBSCOhost, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Health & Medical Collection, Medline, Nursing and Allied Health Database, …

Review Of New Trends In Myofunctional Therapy: Occlusion, Muscles And Posture, By Saccomanno And Paskay (2020), Jayanti Ray

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The field of myofunctional therapy (MT) is complex, as it covers theoretical and practical information on many topics to effectively assess and treat orofacial myofunctional disorders, also known as myofunctional disorders, including tongue thrust, tongue posture, tongue-tie, orthodontic concepts, oral habits, and more. This review summarizes the strengths and usefulness of the book New Trends in Myofunctional Therapy: Occlusion, Muscles and Posture (Saccomanno & Paskay, 2020). The review informs the audience about various important features of the book, chapter materials, and the overall usefulness of the content for professionals working in MT. Providing cutting-edge information, the book draws substantive support …

Perceptions Of Tongue-Bulb Comfort And Stability With And Without Anti-Slip Patches During Assessments Of Tongue Strength And Endurance, Heidi A. Vanravenhorst-Bell, Lucy M. Cook

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) is commonly used to measure tongue strength and endurance. The tongue, however, is reported to periodically move from its intended placement on the IOPI bulb during measurement. This study sought to determine one’s perception of tongue-to-bulb slippage with and without two anti-slip patches (Patch1 – flexible fabric, Patch2 – hypoallergenic micropore fabric) and whether measures of tongue strength and endurance differed across the three IOPI bulb conditions.

Method: 40 healthy adults were randomly assigned to perform tongue strength and endurance procedures by elevating either the anterior (n = 22) or posterior ( …

Meet The Journal’S Editorial Review Board Members, Nancy Pearl Solomon

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

I am honored to take on the role as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) of the International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy (IJOM). To prepare for my role as EIC, I set two major goals to address today’s quickly evolving publication standards and the expansion and growth of the discipline of orofacial myofunctional disorders. The first was to establish an on-line submission and review process and an on-line archive for all past articles. The second critical goal was to recruit and enlist an international group of highly respected scientists and doctoral-level practitioners who represent diverse topics related to orofacial myofunctional disorders …

Development Of A Concept For A Mobile Application To Support Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy, Christina Osen, Nicola Litke, Michel Wensing, Aline Weis

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a concept for a mobile health application, an app-based exercise tool, to support the treatment of orofacial myofunctional disorders by speech-language therapists (SLTs).

Method: A sequential mixed research design combining qualitative research and user-centered software development was applied. Qualitative interviews and focus groups were conducted with eight SLTs, one patient and three relatives to gather ideas for an app to support orofacial myofunctional therapy. On the basis of the findings, a paper-based prototype was developed, which was then evaluated by seven end users, to refine the concept of the app.

Results: Qualitative data on …

Iaom President's Greeting 2021: 50th Anniversary Celebration, Amanda Moore Chastain

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The 50^th Anniversary Address delivered by the President of the International Association of Orofacial Myology at the Annual IAOM Convention held online October 22-24, 2021.

Proceedings Of The 50th Annual Iaom Convention

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM) held its 50^th Anniversary Convention virtually in 2021. The Proceedings of the Convention contain abstracts and summaries of the presentations. Topics include: history of orofacial myology, mastication, palatal expansion, temporomandibular disorder, clinical research methods, tethered oral tissues, frenuloplasty, case report, nasal breathing rehabilitation, sleep disordered breathing, parasomnias, evolution and comparative zoology, reticent children, orofacial myofunctional therapy.

Clinical And Surface Electromyography Evaluation Pre And Post Orofacial Myology Therapy, Luiza Junqeira Ferrer, Adriana Tessitore, Almiro J. Machado Júnior, Eulalia Sakano

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: The objective of this study is to observe the efficacy of orofacial myofunctional therapy in children who breathe through their mouths “mouth breathers” using a clinical assessment and surface electromyography. Method: 30 nasal breath (control group) and 30 mouth breathers (study group) were evaluated initially, and the study group was re-evaluated after 12 sessions of orofacial myofunctional therapy. Assessments involved the MBGR protocol and surface electromyography. Results: The control group had significantly better scores on all nasal breathing tests compared to mouth breathers both before and after therapy. However, mouth breathers demonstrated statistically significant improvements over time with therapy. …

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy With Children Ages 0-4 And Individuals With Special Needs, Robyn Merkel-Walsh

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Purpose: The purposes of this paper are to 1) define variations in terminology and treatment methodology for orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) in children 0-4 years of age and in special populations, and 2) compare and contrast service delivery models for children ages 0-4 and individuals with special needs versus older children and children who are neurotypical. Method: A literature review of scholarly articles, professional presentations, poster presentations, blogs, and social media were analyzed using three tiers of evidence-based practice to include: 1) clinical expertise/expert opinion; 2) external and internal evidence and 3) client/patient/caregiver perspectives. Results: Professional texts and publications used …

Development Of Lip Closing Function During Taking Food Into The Mouth In Children With Down Syndrome, Tomoko Isoda, Fumiyo Tamura, Takeshi Kikutani, Miki Mizukami

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) show developmental retardation of gross motor function including acquisition of oral movements related to eating and swallowing. To characterize the process of development/acquisition of eating/swallowing function of children with DS, interlabial pressure (IP) during taking food into the mouth was assessed. This study included 99 children with DS (birth to 4 year-old), and 112 age-matched control children showing typical development. IP during taking food into the mouth was measured as an objective index of lip closing function. The system for measuring IP during taking food into the mouth consisted of a strain gauge-pressure sensor connected …

Enhancing The Evidence Base In Orofacial Myology, Hope C. Reed

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

The purpose of this article is to stimulate research in orofacial myology. The research-to-practice gap may be reduced by highlighting concepts relating to evidence-based practice. Information is also presented on the International Association of Orofacial Myology Institutional Review Board process.

Feasibility Of Using A Tongue-Activated Joystick By Healthy Pre-Teen Children, Mariana Souza Amaral, Ranata Maria Moreira Moraes Furlan, Guilherme Andre Santana, Clarice Magnani Figueiredo

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

PURPOSE: To investigate the motivation and the effects of: tongue movement direction; resistance force level; repetition number; and sustained tongue contraction duration on tongue motor performance in healthy pre-teen children using computer games. METHODS: An analytical observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 15 healthy 11-13 year-old children with normal lingual strength. The participants played six computer games using a tongue-controlled joystick. The series varied the time for continuous force application on the target (3 and 5 seconds) and the target force level (0.5, 1 and 2 N). After the tests, the participants answered a questionnaire about their impressions and reactions …

Investigating Factors Related To The Acquisition Of Masticatory Function In Down Syndrome Children, Miki Mizukami, Takeshi Kikutani, Miwa Matsuyama, Keigo Nagashima

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Down syndrome (DS) has the highest prevalence of any chromosomal abnormality identified in newborns. DS children have specific eating and swallowing difficulties such as poor tongue control, mouth opening, swallowing food without chewing, and both facial and occlusal abnormalities. DS children are also at high risk of aspiration, and swallowing food without chewing is considered to be a factor associated with increased risk of aspiration and eating problems. This study aimed to identify factors preventing the acquisition of masticatory function in DS children. The subjects were 75 outpatient DS children (44 males, age range 12 to 36 month-old, mean age …

Self-Care Treatment On Patients With Wakefulness Bruxism, Tainara Lopes De Castro Bastos, Rafael De Almeida Spinelli Pinto, Isabela Maddalena Dias, Isabel Cristina Goncalves Leite, Fabiola Pessoa Pereira Leite

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Objective: To evaluate self-care efficacy on reduction of pain and wakefulness bruxism before the treatment with the stabilization splint. Methods: Sixty patients were divided into two groups: 30 belonging to the group that received the self-care guide (G1) and 30 belonging to the control group (G2) who were advised to wait for the beginning of the treatment with the stabilization splint. G1 received a self-care guide for immediate application before any intervention for bruxism treatment. The instructions were given as tips to follow every day for 1 month. Before being given to the patient, the guide was read aloud and …

Examining The Effects Of Ankyloglossia On Swallowing Function, Kliss Moulton, John Anthony Seikel, Joni Grey Loftin, Nancy Devine

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD) involves difficulty during one or more of the stages of swallowing, resulting in difficulty moving the bolus from the mouth to the stomach. A deficit in tongue mobility, such as that found with ankyloglossia, may affect the oropharyngeal transit time of the bolus and predispose a person to OPD. This study was conducted to examine the possible relationship between tongue tie and oropharyngeal dysphagia. Data were gathered on 8 participants (5 females, 3 males) between the ages of 12-43 years. The Lingual Frenulum Protocol (Marchesan, 2012) was used to determine tongue tie. An Iowa Oral Performance Instrument …

Clinical Effectiveness Evaluation Of Laser Therapy And Dry Needling In Treatment Of Patients With Myofascial Pain In Masseter Muscle, Diego A. Oliveira, Rafael De Almeida Spinelli Pinto, Larissa De Oliveira Reis, Isabela Maddalena Dias, Isabel Cristina Goncalves Leite, Fabiola Pessoa Pereira Leite

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Myofascial pain is considered a type of muscular TMD, being common in patients with musculoskeletal pain associated with active or latent trigger points. Among the therapeutic options, there are low-intensity laser therapy and dry needling. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of these two therapies in the masseter muscles of patients with myofascial pain. Ten patients diagnosed with myofascial pain, with or without limitation of mouth opening, were randomly divided into two groups for treatment with low intensity laser therapy (G1) (n = 5) or dry needling (G2) (n = 5). The pain symptomatology and the …

Facial Burn During Orthognathic Surgery: Case Report, Jessica C. Avelar, Marcio Jose De Campos, Raphaella Barcellos Fernandes, Sergio Luiz Da Mota Júnior, Marcelo Reis Fraga, Robert Willer Farinazzo Vitral

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Despite the fact that the advances in surgical techniques have contributed to the reduction in the number of complications associated with orthognathic surgery, problems resulting from different phases of treatment, treatment planning, and postoperative period may occur. This paper presents a case of facial soft tissue lesion, burn in the lower lip region, in a patient with Class III malocclusion during orthognathic surgery. A 22-year, 3-month-old male patient with Class III malocclusion was burned in the paramedian region of the lower lip due to unnoticed overheating of the low-speed handpiece during sagittal osteotomy of the left mandibular ramus. The injury …

Juvenile Dermatomyositis - A Case Report With Review On Oral Manifestations And Oral Health Considerations, Pritesh Ruparelia, Oshin Verma, Vrutti Shah, Krishna Shah

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Juvenile Dermatomyositis is the most common inflammatory myositis in children, distinguished by proximal muscle weakness, a characteristic rash and Gottron’s papules. The oral lesions most commonly manifest as diffuse stomatitis and pharyngitis with halitosis. We report a case of an 8 year old male with proximal muscle weakness of all four limbs, rash, Gottron’s papules and oral manifestations. Oral health professionals must be aware of the extraoral and intraoral findings of this rare, but potentially life threatening autoimmune disease of childhood, for early diagnosis, treatment, prevention of long-term complications and to improve the prognosis and hence, the quality of life …

Submental Muscle Tissue Compliance During Relaxation, Contraction, And After Tone-Modification Interventions, Heather M. Clark, Nancy Pearl Solomon

International Journal of Orofacial Myology and Myofunctional Therapy

Deviations in muscle tone are presumed to accompany speech motor control deficits in select forms of dysarthria, although there is little confirmation of these associations. For patients experiencing neuromuscular impairments, therapeutic interventions and/or principles have been devised to alleviate tone deviations where they occur and to prevent the development or exacerbation of tone deviations. Potentially therapeutic effects of these interventions on muscle tone in the speech musculature have not been studied empirically. One reason for the paucity of research is that tools for assessing muscle tone in the speech musculature are not generally available. This pilot study explored the feasibility …