ABSTRACT

Purpose: This case study explores use of oral placement therapy for both feeding and speech issues in three individuals after mandibulectomy. As feeding issues and speech clarity are the major challenges of head and neck cancer, an appropriate intervention method is essential. Method: Investigation examined effect of oral placement therapy, sensory motor exercises, to facilitate feeding skills and speech clarity after five months of intervention. Intervention occurred thrice a day with monthly twice face to face sessions. Pre and post therapy were evaluated with PCC, perceptual speech intelligibility rating scale and GUSS. Result: Observable improvements were noticed in both feeding skills and speech clarity after intervention. PCC and GUSS scores showed a remarkable positive raise on post intervention. Conclusion: This study highlights importance of OPT based sensory-motor exercises for feeding and speech in adult patients and also draws attention to this method apart from traditional methods to rehabilitate oral phase dysphagia and speech clarity issues by using a single goal.