Intraoral Pressure Research Articles

A Ducted, Biomimetic Nipple Improves Aspects of Infant Feeding Physiology and Performance in an Animal Model.

Breastfeeding is widely regarded as the optimal form of feeding infants, as it provides both nutritional and physiological benefits. For example, breastfed infants generate greater intraoral suction and have higher amplitude muscle activities compared to bottle-fed infants, with downstream implications for motor function, development, and health. One mechanism that might explain these physiological differences is the structure of the nipple an infant is feeding on. Breasts in most mammals are ducted soft-tissue structures that require suction to be generated for milk to be released, whereas bottle nipples are hollow and allow milk to be acquired by compression of the nipple. We used a validated animal model (pigs) to test how being raised on a novel ducted nipple impacted feeding physiology and performance compared to infants raised on a standard (cisternic) nipple. At the end of infancy, we fed both groups with both nipple types and used high-speed videofluoroscopy synchronized with intraoral pressure measurements to evaluate feeding function. Nipple type did not have a profound impact on sucking or swallowing rates. However, when feeding on a ducted nipple, infant pigs raised on a ducted nipple generated more suction, consumed milk at a faster rate, swallowed larger boluses of milk, and had decreased likelihood of penetration and aspiration than those raised on a cisternic nipple. These data replicate those found when comparing breast- and bottle-fed infants, suggesting that a ducted, biomimetic nipple may provide bottle-fed infants with the physiologic benefits of breastfeeding.

An Enigmatic Soft-Tissue Creeping Phenomenon: The Spontaneous Peri-Implant Mucosa Margin and Papilla Growth, Part Two-A Scientifically Supported Hypothesis Article.

In our previous article, we observed and measured a spontaneous growth in the coronal direction of the keratinized tissues present around implants. This growth involved both free margins and interdental papillae, and we indicated our hypothesis on the probable cause of this still-unexplained phenomenon. The growth of oral soft tissues involves several other structures, such as the linea alba and tongue indentation. Our idea holds that growth of these tissues is generated by the negative intraoral pressure created in the oral phase of swallowing and the subsequent resting position, which through the resulting suction causes a shift of these soft structures in the gaps around the dental crowns. Other hypotheses have been suggested in the past to understand this phenomenon of soft tissue growth, which still lacks data supporting etiological evidence. The purpose of this article is to thoroughly analyze and verify our model by comparing the clinical observations with citations and examples from the literature, combined with notions of physiology, biology, and physics that help in clarifying these events. To better explain the mechanisms of oral soft tissue growth, photographs of clinical cases paradigmatic of the phenomenon are shown.

Assessing the Swallowing Function in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy: An Easily Accessible and Objective Multidimensional Approach.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a genetic neuromuscular disease caused by lack of survival of motor neuron (SMN) protein, is characterized by muscular atrophy and respiratory and bulbar dysfunction. While swallowing disorders are common, they remain poorly studied. Our study aimed to explore 1) intraoral pressure measurements with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument system and the reliability of a Swallowing Function Assessment Questionnaire (SFAQ) in healthy controls, and 2) evaluate their use as swallowing function biomarkers and the evolution of swallowing function over time in children with SMA. We recruited 53 healthy children and 27 SMA patients all treated with SMN gene modulator therapy. Participants completed the SFAQ and underwent at least one measurement of maximal oral pressures (lingual, labial, and masseter). Mean oral normalized pressure index were lower (all sites p < 0.001) and mean SFAQ scores were higher (p < 0.001) in patients compared with healthy controls. Pressure evolution over 1 year in SMA patients for all three oral sites did not show significant differences. SFAQ scores correlated negatively with oral pressures at all three sites in patients. Both tools provided new insights on the oral and pharyngeal phase of swallowing in SMA patients. In SMA patients, muscle strength in certain crucial anatomical regions during swallowing is weaker than in healthy children.

"Rare Encounter: Pneumoparotid in Clinical Practice" - A Case Report

Pneumoparotid is a rare condition which is frequently observed in the patients with parotid gland infection or during maneuver leading to increase in intraoral pressure. The common maneuver being performed is puff-cheek technique for diagnostic computed tomography (CT). It is always important to distinguish the etiology of pneumoparotid being pathological or due to maneuver to proceed for further management. Here we present a case of a 56 year old man with suspicion of carcinoma of tongue evaluated by CT using puff cheek technique. On evaluating the images, a finding of bilateral pneumoparotid a case report was made.

Design of smart magnetic thin-sheet structure based wireless sensors-array arrangement for intraoral-pressure sensing approach

During orthodontic treatments, orthodontists want to simultaneously measure different kinds of intraoral pressure of a patient to determine a suitable orthodontic treatment plan for the patient. To achieve this, an intraoral pressure sensors-array with a specific arrangement in the oral cavity is needed. Hence, in this paper, we design a smart magnetic thin-sheet structure based wireless sensors-array arrangement for intraoral-pressure sensing for orthodontics to determine the above suitable treatment plan. In general, the sensors-array consists of multiple sensing modules. Each module consists of two parts: the first part is a transmitting/receiving electromagnet which is connected to a reference electromagnet in a balanced inductance bridge configuration while the second part is a smart magnetic thin-sheet structure based high-permeable sensing diaphragm. A voltage input is applied to the reference electromagnet and transmitting/receiving electromagnet, while the voltage output is measured from the transmitting/receiving electromagnet, respectively (the transmitting/receiving electromagnet can transmit the magnetic flux as well as receive or sense the change of magnetic flux). When the sensing diaphragm (which is placed in proximity to the transmitting/receiving electromagnet) undergoes a displacement, the gap between the sensing diaphragm and transmitting/receiving electromagnet changes. This subsequently changes surrounding magnetic flux, and consequently results in a change in magnetic reluctance between the sensing diaphragm and transmitting/receiving electromagnet. Thus, the voltage output of the transmitting/receiving electromagnet is changed accordingly. Based on this operation principle, furthermore, we use multiple transmitting/receiving electromagnets to form a compact (specifically arranged) sensors-array. The results show that specifically arranged sensors-array can provide measurement results in multiple points in the oral cavity to the orthodontists, as a simplified decision-making reference for the orthodontists to determine the clinical treatment plan for patients.

Extrinsic Laryngeal Muscle Activity With Different Diameters and Water Depths in a Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract Exercise.

Surface electromyography (sEMG) has been used to evaluate extrinsic laryngeal muscle activity during swallowing and phonation. In the current study, sEMG amplitudes were measured from the infrahyoid and suprahyoid muscles during phonation through a tube submerged in water. The sEMG amplitude values measured from the extrinsic laryngeal muscles and the electroglottographic contact quotient (CQ) were obtained simultaneously from 62 healthy participants (31 men, 31 women) during phonation through a tube at six different depths (2, 4, 7, 10, 15, and 20 cm) while using two tubes with different diameters (1 and 0.5 cm). With increasing depth, the sEMG amplitude for the suprahyoid muscles increased in men and women. However, sEMG amplitudes for the infrahyoid muscles increased significantly only in men. Tube diameter had a significant effect on the suprahyoid sEMG amplitudes only for men, with higher sEMG amplitudes when phonating with a 1.0-cm tube. CQ values increased with submerged depth for both men and women. Tube diameter affected results such than CQ values were higher for men when using the wider tube and for women with the narrower tube. Vocal fold vibratory patterns changed with the depth of tube submersion in water for both men and women, but the patterns of muscle activation differed between the sexes. This suggests that men and women use different strategies when confronted with increased intraoral pressure during semi-occluded vocal tract exercises. In this study, sEMG provided insight into the mechanism for differences between vocally normal individuals and could help detect compensatory muscle activation during tube phonation in water for people with voice disorders.

Auditory-perceptual and acoustic analysis of patients undergoing palatoplasty

The most common phonation changes in patients with cleft lip and palate are: hypernasality, compensatory articulation, weak intraoral pressure and nasal air leak. The literature refers to the use of auditory-perceptual assessment in phonation analysis as the most used method by speech therapists, being considered gold standard. However, it depends on the experience of the hearing evaluators who must be highly trained. Therefore, complementary tests are supposed to extend the range of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities. So, there is a need for a simple, objective and non-invasive test to be used in the routine care of this individual. The objective of this study is to characterize, using auditory-perceptual analysis, the speech and voice profile of a group of patients who underwent palatoplasty in the state of Rio de Janeiro, comparing these findings to the parameters found in acoustic analysis and in the literature. An interview was carried out based on the orofacial myofunctional assessment protocol for individuals with cleft lip and palate. The entire process was recorded on a video camera and directly in the acoustic analysis program using Voxmetria version 2.7, from CTS Informática, with the aid of a noise-reducing microphone. It was concluded that the auditory-perceptual and acoustic characterization of the speech and voice profile of patients who underwent palatoplasty is consistent with data obtained in the literature in other reference centers around the world. Furthermore, acoustic analysis showed statistical significance when compared to auditory-perceptual analysis, extending the range of diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities.

Respiratory laryngeal coordination during vowel-plosive-vowel transition in shouted speech

This study investigates differences in respiratory-laryngeal coordination between normal and shouted speech in the production of a vowel-plosive-vowel utterance, with the goal toward synthesis of such utterances in loud speech. The results showed that compared to normal condition, shouted speech produced higher intraoral pressure during vocal tract closure, higher airflow at the release of vocal tract closure, increased fundamental frequency and increased duration of glottal closure during the following vowel, and increased respiratory activities. For unvoiced plosives, shouted speech also produced increased voice onset time of the following vowel, but its importance to the perception of shouted speech was small. Computational simulations further showed that such increased voice onset time is likely due to increased maximum vocal fold abduction and/or delayed initiation of vocal fold adduction, which are necessary to avoid voice onset immediately after the release of vocal tract closure in conditions of high subglottal pressure.

Effect of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training on the Performance of Professional Male Trumpet Players.

Many trumpet players use breathing training devices in addition to their daily practice routine. Playing a brass instrument requires, besides many other skills, a controlled air stream to generate the necessary air pressures. On the trumpet, high intraoral pressures are needed, especially during high and loud notes. Therefore, it is not uncommon in trumpet pedagogy to teach that the use of breathing training devices enhances physical strength so that the required pressures can be produced with less effort. However, to date, no systematic assessment of the use of breathing training devices among trumpet players exists and their effect on playing performance is still unclear. In this a pre-post, within-subject repeated measure study, we investigated the influence of a 5-week expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) upon trumpet performance. Twenty-four male professional trumpet players were allocated to either a control or intervention group. The intervention group (n =13) trained with an EMST device against a set resistance of 55% of their maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) for 5 weeks on 5 days per week. The control group (n =11) did no intervention. All participants underwent the same measures (MEP and rate of perceived exertion [RPE]) and played the same tasks (maximum long note, maximum high note, maximum dynamics and phrasing in high register) prior to and after the 5 weeks. After EMST, MEP increased significantly (13%, p = 0.049) in the intervention group, whereas no significant change was found in the control group. Performance parameters did not change in either of the groups, also after EMST. Despite the increase in MEP, we found no evidence that EMST has an influence on trumpet performance. We conclude that EMST seems unnecessary for the enhancement of trumpet playing, at least in a population of male professionals who already demonstrate excellent respiratory condition and control.

Advancing the assessment of pacifier effects with a novel computational method.

Numerous studies have demonstrated a high likelihood of malocclusions resulting from non-nutritive sucking. Consequently, quantifying the impact of pacifiers can potentially aid in preventing the development or exacerbation of malocclusions and guide the design of improved performance pacifiers. This work proposes and assesses a computational methodology that can effectively gather crucial information and provide more precise data regarding the consequences of non-nutritive pacifier sucking. The computational framework utilized is based on solids4Foam [1, 2], a collection of numerical solvers developed within the OpenFOAM® computational library [3]. The computational model focuses on the palate of a six-month-old baby and incorporates various components such as palate tissues, pacifier and tongue, and considers the negative intraoral pressure generated and the tongue displacement. Different models were tested, each offering varying levels of detail in representing the palate structure. These models range from a simplified approach, with one tissue, to a more intricate representation, involving up to five different tissues, offering a more comprehensive palate model compared to existing literature. The analysis of results involved examining the distribution of stress on the palate surface, as well as the displacement and forces exerted on the dental crowns. By comparing the obtained results, it was possible to evaluate the precision of the approaches previously described in the literature. The findings revealed that the predictions were less accurate when using the simplified model with a single tissue for the palate, which is the most common approach proposed in the literature. In contrast, the results demonstrated that the palate model with the most intricate structure, incorporating five different tissues, yielded distinct outcomes compared to all other combinations. The computational methodology proposed, employing the most detailed palate model, has demonstrated its effectiveness and necessity in obtaining accurate data on the impact of non-nutritive sucking habits, which are recognized as a primary contributor to the development of dental malocclusions. In the future, this approach could be extended to conduct similar studies encompassing diverse pacifier designs, sizes, and age groups. This would foster the design of innovative pacifiers that mitigate the adverse effects of non-nutritive sucking on orofacial structures.

Relationship between respiratory sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness in community-dwelling older adults: a preliminary cross-sectional study.

[Purpose] Using new diagnostic criteria, this study aimed to clarify the relationship between respiratory sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness in community-dwelling older adults. [Participants and Methods] Basic information, body composition, motor function, respiratory function, and respiratory muscle strength were analyzed for 43 elderly community residents who participated in a health promotion program between 2021 and 2023. Respiratory sarcopenia and respiratory muscle weakness were evaluated based on maximal intraoral pressure and skeletal muscle index. We conducted a comparison among the three groups-respiratory sarcopenia, respiratory muscle weakness, and robustness. [Results] The respiratory sarcopenia group tended to have lower trunk muscle mass compared to the robust group and had significantly lower trunk muscle mass than the respiratory muscle weakness group. The incidence of systemic sarcopenia was significantly higher in the respiratory sarcopenia group than in the other two groups. [Conclusion] These results indicate that respiratory sarcopenia may be associated with the loss of limb muscle mass observed in patients with systemic sarcopenia and a reduction in trunk muscle mass. The risk factors influencing the prognosis of respiratory sarcopenia may vary depending on the method used to assess respiratory muscle weakness. This study provides the foundational data for future research on respiratory sarcopenia.

Validation and Analysis of an Integrated Device for Recording Bite Force and Masseter Muscle Activity in Dentate Participants: An Observational Study

Introduction: The success of any prosthetic rehabilitation depends on acceptable occlusion and muscle coordination. Occlusal therapy should be an integral part of restorative and prosthetic treatment. A thorough diagnosis of bite force and muscle activity is required to ensure the patient’s masticatory function and comfort. The current system of digitisation lacks devices for the simultaneous evaluation of muscle activity and occlusal bite force, representing a significant limitation in understanding and managing restorative and rehabilitation therapy. Aim: To assess the efficacy of an ingeniously designed integrated device that records occlusal bite force and muscle activity. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted among 112 healthy volunteers in the Department of Prosthodontics at Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, for a period of one month and 45 days, from February 5, 2024 to March 20, 2024. The study aimed to validate the efficacy of a device designed to record bite force and muscle action potential simultaneously. The device consists of two key components: a square Forcesensitive Resistor (FSR) that records changes in resistance in response to applied force and a MyoWare 2.0 muscle sensor with Arduino (Advancer Technologies) for measuring the electrical activity of muscles. Study participants, aged between 21 and 35 years, were seated in an upright position. Muscle activity was recorded with surface electrodes placed on the masseter region, following Surface Electromyography for the Non Invasive Assessment of Muscles (SENIAM) guidelines, while a ground electrode was placed on the neck. Maximum Bite Force (MBF) was measured by placing intraoral pressure sensors, with recordings taken in maximum intercuspation three times, spaced one minute apart for each recording. Both muscle activity and bite force were recorded simultaneously. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlation between bite forces and muscle action potential with standard average values. Results: The results revealed a strong positive correlation between the masseter muscle activity action potential and the bite force values of the right molar (r=0.964, p&lt;0.001), left molar (r=0.980, p&lt;0.001) and incisor (r=0.550, p=0.002). Conclusion: The device synergistically records muscle activation patterns and bite force distribution, displaying the values in an integrated digital interface. The results of the study reveal that this device can serve as a diagnostic tool in prosthodontic treatment planning.

Task-Dependent Velopharyngeal Timing in Singers with Classical Training

This study examined velopharyngeal (VP) timing characteristics during singing and speaking tasks among singers with varying degrees of classical training. Pressure-flow data were collected when eight soprano singers sang and spoke the phrase, "I will say hamper," at different pitch (C4 and C5) and loudness levels (soft, medium, and loud). VP aerodynamic variables (VP gap, peak nasal airflow [NF], and peak intraoral pressure [OP]) and timing variables (NF pulse duration, OP pulse duration, and total duration of the /mp/ sequence) were of particular interest. Results of linear mixed-effects models showed no significant main effect of task type (speaking vs. singing) on VP aerodynamic variables. Task type was found to have a statistically significant main effect on OP pulse duration (F(1, 77) =27.590, P<0.05) and total duration of the /mp/ sequence (F(1, 75.034) =17.895, P<0.05), with both durational measures significantly shorter for singing (OP pulse duration: 200ms, total duration of the /mp/ sequence: 212ms) than for speaking (OP pulse duration: 228ms, total duration of the /mp/ sequence: 238ms). The pitch had a significant main effect on OP pulse duration, with C5 (207ms) significantly shorter than C4 (221ms). Loudness was found to have no significant main effects on any of the VP timing variables. VP timing patterns significantly differed between the singing and the speaking task. Specifically, the singers employed a quick OP pulse rise time, which shortened OP pulse duration as well as the total duration of the /mp/ sequence during the singing task in comparison to the speaking task. Robust VP timing patterns observed during singing may reflect the singers' skilled control of the VP mechanism to achieve functional and esthetic goals.

The Effects of Respiratory Muscle Functions on Trunk Muscle Endurance in Healthy Young Adults

Purpose: Respiratory muscles play a dual role in breathing and trunk stability during activities. The relationship between respiratory muscle functions and trunk stability has not yet been clarified. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of respiratory muscle functions on trunk muscle endurance in healthy young adults.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methods: McGill's trunk muscle endurance tests, which consist of trunk flexion endurance test (FE), Sorensen test (ST) and Side Bridge test (SB), were used to evaluate the participants' trunk muscle endurance. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated by measuring intraoral maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures using an intraoral pressure meter device. The respiratory muscle endurance test was performed with the incremental threshold load protocol using a threshold IMT device.&#x0D; &#x0D; Results: A total of 51 healthy young adults, with a mean age of 21.8 ± 3.2 years, were evaluated. The results of the linear regression models were significantly explained 46% of the variance in the SB and 38% in the FE, (for SB Adj R2=0.46, F=21.40, p&lt; 0.001 and for FE Adj R2=0.38, F=15.65, p&lt; 0.001). Respiratory muscle endurance contributed 30% to the endurance of the trunk flexor muscles, while respiratory muscle strength contributed only 8%. Similarly, respiratory muscle endurance contributed 38% to the endurance of the trunk lateral flexor muscles, while respiratory muscle strength contributed only 8%.&#x0D; &#x0D; Conclusion: Although respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance were independent contributors to trunk muscle endurance, respiratory muscle endurance more affected trunk muscle endurance than respiratory muscle strength in healthy young adults.

A case series of wind instrument players with cleft lip and/or palate.

It might be more difficult for patients with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to generate sufficient muscle tension of the upper lip and intraoral air pressure to play a wind instrument. We aimed to explore and describe the key aspects of wind instrument playing with a repaired cleft. An in-depth interview was conducted among ten patients with CL/P and one with a functionally comparable problem and we found that: individuals with CL/P can achieve a professional level on a wind instrument; the oboe and trumpet may be less suitable for patients with CL/P because of the high lip muscle tension and intraoral air pressure that must be generated; air leakage through a fistula, unrepaired alveolus or velopharyngeal insufficiency can be troublesome; and for people with CL/P, a brass instrument with a large mouthpiece is easier than a small mouthpiece. While dentists, doctors and music teachers should discuss the probability that wind instrument playing might be more difficult for patients with CL/P, they should not discourage it.

Epaxial and hypaxial co-contraction: a mechanism for modulating strike pressure and accuracy during suction feeding in channel catfish.

Most fish species use concentric epaxial and hypaxial contractions to suction feed, whereby both muscle groups produce cranial expansion and negative intraoral pressures. In contrast, channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) suction feed with little to no cranial elevation and epaxial shortening, generating suction power primarily with hypaxial shortening and pectoral girdle retraction. We hypothesized that channel catfish (1) actively anchor the head via isometric contraction of the epaxials and (2) vary feeding performance by modulating the absolute and relative outputs of the co-contracting muscles. We used a combination of electromyography, intraoral pressure recordings and specimen manipulation, and developed a new dual-lever model to explore this idea. We detected epaxial and hypaxial co-contraction prior to suction force development in all strikes. Our model revealed that the differential between the co-contracting muscles may be used to modulate suction pressure and strike accuracy.

THE EFFECT OF TRAINING WITH ADDITIONAL RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE ON THE RESULTS OF MIDDLE DISTANCE RUNNING

Fatigue of the respiratory muscles is one of the important factors that limit athletic performance due to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Additional respiratory resistance (ARR) can effectively improve respiratory muscle endurance and reduce fatigue during long-term exercise or aerobic exercise, thereby enhancing athletic performance. The aim of the study was to study the effect of 4-week respiratory muscle training using ARR on the strength of the respiratory muscles, the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs, and athletic performance in 800 m amateur runners. Methods. Twenty healthy 800m runners were randomized into an experimental group (11 people) and a control group (9 people). ARR training consisted of 30 breaths twice a day, 5 days a week, at an intensity of 40%, 60%, 70%, and 80% of maximum inspiratory pressure (Pmmax) for 4 weeks, while the control group trained with ARR was not used. The initial measured variables were the 800 m running test, the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs, external respiration, physical performance, and maximum oxygen consumption. All measured variables were assessed before and after 4 weeks of training with ARR. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-way ANOVA test of variance. Results: after completing the training program with ARR, the experimental group significantly reduced the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs from 12.21±2.14% to 5.97±2.09% (p&lt;0.05). An increase in tidal volume was noted — 734±43 ml in the main group and 674±46 ml in the control group; increase in maximum intraoral pressure — 131.09±11.20 cm w.g. in the main group and 117.1±10.3 cm w.g. at the control; a significant increase in PWC-170 — 872±38.4 kGm/min (main group) and 810±34.8 kGm/min (control group), as well as an increase in maximum oxygen consumption in representatives of the main group (3104±68 ml/min) relatively lower values in the control (2303±72 ml/min). The 800 m running test showed the acceleration of running from 165.97±6.96 to 154.75±5.7 sec. But the control group did not undergo significant changes in the 800 m running test. Conclusion: our results showed that 4-week training with ARR (twice a day, 5 days a week) significantly increased tidal volume, maximum intraoral pressure, physical performance, maximum oxygen consumption, 800m running efficiency and reduces the rate of change in blood flow in the limbs.

Characterization of feeding skills and clinical markers of preterm newborns with gastroschisis in a neonatal therapy unit.

To describe the clinical and feeding findings of premature infants with gastroschisis (GTQ) in a neonatal intensive care unit and compare them to preterm infants (NBs) without congenital anomalies. A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 50 premature NBs (25 with GTQ and 25 without comorbidities - control group). The NBs were compared regarding demographic and clinical data: risk of mortality and speech-language assessment (nonnutritive and nutritive sucking). Subsequently, a multiple logistic regression model was applied to determine the variables associated with the negative speech therapy outcome (speech therapy discharge after more than 7 days considering the first speech therapy evaluation). The results of the first analysis indicated that there was a difference between the GTQ and the CG for the following variables: total time in days of hospitalization; use of mechanical ventilation (invasive x noninvasive); days of life on the date of the first speech-language assessment; use of alternative feeding route; and the GTQ group had worse results. The results of the multiple logistic regression indicated that the diagnosis of GTQ, the use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the absence of adequate intraoral pressure during the first speech-language evaluation were risk factors for a negative speech-language outcome. The feeding skills of preterm infants with QTG are related to the severity of the condition (gastrointestinal tract complications), requiring longer hospitalization, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, prolonged use of alternative feeding route and requiring more speech therapy to start oral feeding.

Fabrication of Feeding Plate in Neonates with Cleft Lip and Palate: Case Series

Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a common craniofacial anomaly which can be syndromic or non-syndromic. In children with CLP, feeding is the biggest concern due to lack of oral seal owing to the presence of clefts in the oral cavity. To achieve a near normal feeding, feeding plates are delivered to restore the separation thus helping to create negative intraoral pressure during suckling. Impression making for the fabrication of feeding plate is incredibly challenging procedure but selection of appropriate impression material, patient positioning during impression making and preparation for management of emergency mishaps can make the procedure easier and safer. Present case series highlights the fabrication and delivery of feeding plates made up of two different materials (Ethylene vinyl acetate and self-cure acrylic resin) in three neonates who were four, fourteen and five days old.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ADDITIONAL RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE FOR PHYSICAL FITNESS OF JUDO ATHLETES

The development and implementation of scientifically based methods for athletes’ functional status improvement is rather relevant. One of such methods implies additional respiratory resistance (ARR).&#x0D; The aim of the study is to determine how additional respiratory resistance influences physical fitness of judo athletes.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The trial subjects (n=42) were divided into two groups. The main group (n=25) trained under ARR equal to 20 % Pmmax, where Pmmax is the maximum intraoral pressure, evaluated under complete mouth and nose overlap. Athletes trained under ARR once a day for 6 weeks. The training session lasted 25 minutes. The control group (n=27) trained without ARR. &#x0D; Results. By the 6th week of physical training under ARR, the athletes of the treatment group demonstrated significant increase in tidal volume (p&lt;0.05), maximum intraoral pressure (p&lt;0.05), and physical performance (p&lt;0.05) compared to the control. Maximum oxygen consumption significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) in the athletes of the treatment group. The most significant changes in speed-strength readiness (compared to the control) were noted in barbell squats (p&lt;0.05), 60-meter and 100-meter dash (p&lt;0.01).&#x0D; Conclusion. 6-week training session with ARR equal to 20% Pmmax has a positive effect on the physical fitness of judo athletes.