[Stomatognathic system and body posture in children with sensoriomotor deficits]

Literature points that body posture is an important aspect in the treatment of children with sensorimotor deficits. Considering individuals with cerebral palsy, reflexes are often more intense than reactions of rectification and equilibrium, causing, therefore, a delay or obstacle in cervical, torso and hip control. This delay has as a consequence an impact on the Stomatognathic System.

To verify the relation between body posture and the Stomatognathic System in this population, regarding posture and function, and its effectiveness in the process of speech-language intervention.

17 children with sensorimotor deficits, aged between 1 and 6:3 years, were submitted to an initial assessment, followed by speech-language intervention and re-assessment. Speech-language intervention occurred for a period of 10 months, with weekly individual sessions, always in the presence of the caretaker. All sessions were transcribed in a specific protocol and the assessment and re-assessment sessions were videotaped.

A statistically significant improvement of stomatognathic system in 100% of the children was observed, not only of the isolated structures, but also of the whole system. The same was observed for the assessed functions.

The improvement of body posture of the studied children favored significantly the development and improvement of the stomatognathic system regarding the aspects of posture and function.