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- Nygren, M., et al.
(author)
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Gender Differences in Children's Voice Use in a Day Care Environment
- 2012
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In: Journal of Voice. - : Elsevier BV. - 0892-1997 .- 1873-4588. ; 26:6
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background. The prevalence of dysphonia is higher in boys than in girls before puberty. This could be because of the differences in boys' and girls' voice use. Previous research on gender differences in prepubescent children's voice parameters has been contradictory. Most studies have focused on examining fundamental frequency. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate voice use in boys and girls in a day care environment based on the voice parameters fundamental frequency (Hz), vocal intensity (dB SPL), and phonation time (%) and to ascertain whether there were any significant gender differences. Study Design. Prospective comparative design. Method. The study was conducted in a day care environment where 30 children (17 boys and 13 girls aged 4-5 years) participated. The participants' voices were measured continuously for 4 hours with a voice accumulator that registered fundamental frequency, vocal intensity level, phonation time, and background noise. Results. Mean (standard deviation) fundamental frequency was 310 (22) and 321 (16) Hz, vocal intensity was 93 (4) and 91 (3) dB SPL, and phonation time was 7.7 (2.0)% and 7.6 (2.5)% for boys and girls, respectively. No differences between genders were statistically significant. Conclusion. The finding of no statistically significant gender differences for measurements of voice parameters in a group of children aged 4-5 years in a day care environment is an important finding that contributes to increased knowledge about young boys' and girls' voice use.
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| 2. |
- Jonsson, Maria, et al.
(author)
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Parents’ perceptions of eating skills of pre-term vs full-term infants from birth to 3 years
- 2013
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In: International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. - : Informa Healthcare. - 1754-9507 .- 1754-9515. ; 15:6, s. 604-612
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Difficulties with feeding and eating are more common among pre-term infants compared with full-term infants. The primary objective of this study was to describe parents 'perceptions of developmental eating patterns and occurrence of eating difficulties in a group of pre-term infants, compared with a control group. A parent questionnaire was administered for a study group (27 pre-term infants born between 28-33 weeks gestation) and a control group (29 full-term infants born between 38-41 weeks gestation). Parents of the pre-term children reported significantly more problems with early feeding, but only half of them reported that their infants received intervention to aid their feeding development during neonatal care. At 3 years of age the pre-term children weighed significantly less than the full-term children, but their parents were more satisfied with their eating habits and portion sizes than the control group parents. This finding may reflect differing parenting experiences between the two groups rather than an actual difference in eating skills. It suggests that parents of pre-term infants would benefit from practical guidance in supporting their premature infants in developing eating skills. Future studies using objective measures are recommended to verify the findings reported here.
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| 3. |
- Jennie, Lavås, et al.
(author)
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Communication and eating proficiency in 125 females with Rett syndrome: The Swedish Rett Center Survey
- 2006
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In: Disability and Rehabilitation. ; 28:20, s. 1267-1279
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose. To describe communication and eating proficiency and related factors in Swedish females with Rett syndrome, from a parental/caregiver view. Method. Data from a questionnaire were used and approach descriptively, qualitatively and comparatively. Parents/caregivers of 125 females with Rett syndrome completed the survey. The mean age of the females was 19.6 years. Results. Communication: expressive language was limited and the most common way of expressing will was by producing motor acts, 50% of which were higher level of language (eye- and finger-pointing and gestures). Results also showed communicative behaviour was demonstrated during social activity. Eating proficiency: For eight specific types of eating difficulties, the majority of the females suffered from none, one or two of them. There were significant associations of some specific eating difficulties with breathing dysfunctions and food consistency, but not with dental or oral problems. Conclusions. Results from this study have confirmed that verbal communication in Rett syndrome is limited. Despite a lack of verbal communication the females in this study were reported to need and enjoy special social interplay. Outcomes concerning eating were generally good. For optimal intervention, it is recommended that family and professionals work together to evaluate eating situations and communication ability for females with Rett syndrome.
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| 9. |
- van Doorn, Janis, et al.
(author)
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Thalamotomy for essential tremor : a very long-term follow-up of speech and voice
- 2012
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In: Journal of medical speech-language pathology. - : Delmar Cengage Learning. - 1065-1438. ; 20:4, s. 121-126
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The movement disorder essential tremor (ET) has been treated in the past with thalamotomy, a surgical treatment known to cause dysarthria as a side effect. The aim of the current study was to evaluate speech and voice of a group of patients who underwent thalamotomy for ET more than 10 years ago and to determine whether any problems could be linked to the size and laterality of the surgical lesion. Eight patients treated with thalamotomy for ET from 1981 to 1996 participated in a voice and speech evaluation. Patient audio recordings were analyzed perceptually and acoustically, and the patients also self-assessed their speech. Of the eight patients, three were found to have both speech and voice problems, an additional three had only voice problems, and one had an isolated speech rate problem. Three patients reported subjective symptoms. The pattern of occurrence of impairments showed no clear link to the laterality or size of the lesion. It is argued that impaired articulation was likely to have been a consequence of the thalamotomy. However, the finding of voice quality problems was confounded by the disease itself and the patients' ages and thus was probably less likely to be related to the thalamotomy.
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