Abstract
ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of pediatric speech disorders, particularly dysarthria, has escalated in recent years. This study investigates the efficacy of physical therapy interventions, including facial and neck muscle massage, tongue exercises, and breathing exercises, in alleviating dysarthria and drooling in children with cerebral palsy. Methods: This experimental study, conducted from February to June 2024 in private centers in Tripoli, Libya, employed a quasi-experimental design. A convenience sample of 12 participants (5 females, 7 males) with varying speech disorders, including cerebral palsy (n=7), dysarthria (n=3), cognitive impairment (n=1), and Down syndrome (n=1), underwent a 10-session treatment protocol. Each 2-hour session included facial, neck, and shoulder muscle massage, and tongue, breathing, and vocal exercises, supervised by speech therapists.Results: The treatment yielded significant improvements in drooling in 75% of participants (p < 0.01), with mean decrease of 16.7% and Dysarthria symptoms decreased by 83.3% (p <0.05), with a residual severity. Oral Motor Function massage and breathing exercises improved in 100% of participants to open their mouths completely and extend/raise their tongues. Regarding vocal Improvement, LSVT LOUD measurements demonstrated increased vocal sustain from 6 to 10 seconds (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The treatment program demonstrated remarkable efficacy in addressing drooling and dysarthria, yielding improved behavioral outcomes, enhanced self-confidence, and augmented communicative competence. These findings underscore the program's potential to significantly enhance quality of life and social participation.