The Use of Non-Speech Oral-Motor Exercises among Italian Speech-Language Pathologists
Lucilla Guidotti
The use of non-speech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) in the treatment of language disorders is controversial, nevertheless surveys conducted in the United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada, and India have shown that most speech language pathologists (SLP) use them regularly. This study aimed to investigate the use of NSOMEs among Italian SPLs. An online survey focused on the use of NSOMEs, in absence of an official SLP association, was posted on social media in SLPs groups in order to reach more professionals. The questionnaire was divided in three sections: the first section collected demographic information, the second and third sections solicited information from participants who did and did not use NSOMEs, respectively. 72 SLPs responded to the survey. 94,4% of them use NSOMEs in clinical practice, and 68% found them effective. In the current literature there is still no evidence for NSOMEs as being effective as treatment of language disorders, therefore speech language pathologists should be careful in using them and follow evidence-based practice.
Keywords
Language disorders, Rehabilitation, Evidence-based practice, Online survey, Neuroplasticity.