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Abstract
The use of non-speech oral motor exercises (NSOMEs) in some areas of speech-language pathology (SLP) clinical practice has been debated in the literature. It is unknown if graduating SLP students have a clear understanding regarding appropriate NSOME use. This study aimed to explore SLP students’ knowledge and experiences regarding the use of NSOMEs in the SLP management of (1) dysphagia, (2) tongue thrust swallowing, (3) dysarthria, (4) childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) with a co-occurring oral apraxia, (5) CAS without a co-occurring oral apraxia, (6) articulation disorders, and (7) phonological disorders. An online questionnaire was completed by 51 SLP students in their final year of study. Students reported to have observed or used NSOMEs in each of the seven practice areas. While only five students (9.8%) reported knowledge of NSOME use that was inconsistent with the current evidence-base recommendations for speech production, students lacked clarity regarding appropriate NSOME use in each of the practice areas. The findings from this study suggest that further education regarding NSOME use would be beneficial for SLP students and clinical supervisors.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank the SLP students who participated in this study.
Disclaimer statements
Contributors All authors had equal contribution in designing the study and carrying out data analysis and preparation of the manuscript.
Funding None.
Conflicts of interest The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.
Ethics approval This study received ethical approval from the University of Queensland's Behavioural and Social Sciences Ethical Review Committee. Approval number 2014000519.
ORCID
Tanya Rose http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5357-8426