title: Treating myofunctional disorders: a multiple-baseline study of a new treatment using electropalatography.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study assessed the benefit of using electropalatography (EPG) in treatment aimed at habilitating individuals with nonspeech orofacial myofunctional disorders (NSOMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a multiple-baseline design across 3 female participants who were referred for an evaluation and possible treatment of their NSOMD. Treatment sessions were 30 min and provided twice weekly. Participant 1 received 8 treatments, Participant 2 received 6 treatments, and Participant 3 received 4 treatments. The patterns of sensor activation produced when participants' tongues made contact with the electropalate during saliva swallows were compared with the patterns of age-matched peers. Individualized goals were developed on the basis of these comparisons.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Treatment was generally effective for the established goals. Of the 3 participants, 2 met all their goals, and the 3rd participant made gains across 1 of 2 goals. Participants continued to perform above baseline levels for most targeted goals during testing 5-8 weeks posttreatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  When used in skilled treatment, EPG has potential as a means of habilitating NSOMD. It may serve as a valuable tool, providing the clinician and client with information that allows for individualized treatment planning.
authors.forename: Alana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mantie-Kozlowski
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pitt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003679:Deglutition / Q000502:physiology; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D004566:Electrodes; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020247:Myofunctional Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D010159:Palate / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014059:Tongue / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult