Verifying Efficacy of Self-Inhalation Training for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Physiology
• Speech Science
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) leads to resonance issues like hypernasality and dysphagia, particularly in older adults.
• A novel inhaling training method using peak inspiratory flow (PIF) rate has previously shown effectiveness in improving velopharyngeal function.
• This study aimed to quantify the degree of velopharyngeal closure achieved through different tasks to validate the training method's efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a novel inhaling training method for improving velopharyngeal closure.
• To determine the optimal task for achieving maximal velopharyngeal closure using MRI.
• To support the use of simple resistance-based inhalation exercises for velopharyngeal rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Three healthy volunteers underwent MRI scans in a supine position.
• Tasks included producing nasal (/n:/) versus non-nasal (/shi:/) sounds and forceful/soft inhalation/exhalation through a straw or a 500-mL plastic bottle.
• Sagittal MRI images were captured during each 30-second task to assess velopharyngeal closure.

Main Results:

• Forceful inhalation through an empty plastic bottle resulted in the strongest velopharyngeal closure among all tested tasks and volunteers.
• This closure was observed between the posterior velum and the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Conclusions:

• The findings support the efficacy of the developed inhaling training method for enhancing velopharyngeal closure.
• Resistance-based inhalation, such as through a PIF meter or plastic bottle, strengthens the levator veli palatini muscle, crucial for velopharyngeal function.
• This accessible training method using plastic bottles can be beneficial for patients with various acquired velopharyngeal dysfunctions, including those related to aging.