• Speech Sciences
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.177-189
• /
• 2008

This study was to investigate diadochokinetic (DDK) rate, regularity and mean flow rate of articulation valves in dysarthria. DDK rate, mean airflow rate (MFR) and regularity of DDK syllable repetitions of vocal function /ihi/, tongue function /ta/, velopharyngeal function /bm/, and labial function /pa/ in 24 normal and dysarthric speakers were measured. Aerophone Ⅱ and Motor Speech Profile were used for data recording and analysis. The results of the findings were as follows: First, there were significant differences between the dysarthria and the normal group in DDK rate. DDK rates in ataxic dysarthria were the lowest and spastic, flaccid, and hypokinetic dysarthria followed in sequence. Second, there was a significant difference between the dysarthria and the normal group in DDK regularity. Third, there was a significant difference between dysarthria groups and normal group in DDK MFR. Finally, there was a significant difference between the 4 groups of dysarthria and the normal group in DDK air flow tracking. The results of this study can be guidelines for normal DDK rate, regularity and flow rate in dysarthria groups. In addition, their differential diagnoses and descriptions are important to make a decision on medical and behavioral management of the individuals with disorders according to DDK characteristics.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.25-30
• /
• 2012

Background : The soft palate functions as a valve and helps generate the oral pressure required for normal speech resonance. Speech problems and nasal regurgitation can result from a soft palatal defect. Reduction of the size of the velopharyngeal orifice is required to compensate for the lack of mobility in a reconstructed soft palate. We suggest a large volume folded free flap for reduction of the caliber and a palmaris longus tendon sling for suspension of the reconstructed palate. Methods : Six patients had total soft palate resection for tonsillar cancer and reconstruction with a large volume folded radial forearm free flap combined with a palmaris longus sling. A single surgeon and speech therapist examined the patients with three standardized speech assessment tools: nasometer test, consonant articulation test, and speech acuity test performed for speech evaluation. Results : Mean nasalance score was 76.20% for sentences with nasal sounds and 43.60% for sentences with oral sounds. Hypernasality was seen for oral sound sentences. The mean score of the picture consonant articulation test was 84% (range, 63% to 100%). The mean score of the speech acuity test was 5.84 (range, 5 to 6). These mean ratings represent a satisfactory level of speech function. Conclusions : The large volume folded free flap with a palmaris longus tendon sling for total soft palate reconstruction resulted in satisfactory prognosis for speech despite moderate hypernasality.