Oromotor dysfunction in minimally verbal children with cerebral palsy: characteristics and associated factors

Abstract

AIM: To explore the characteristics and associated factors of oromotor dysfunction in minimally verbal children with cerebral palsy (CP) aged five to six years, recruited from a population-based registry. Methods: Twenty children with CP who were minimally verbal completed a standardised, observational oromotor assessment. Linear regression analyses examined the relationship between oromotor dysfunction and potential associated factors (e.g., fine and gross motor function, communication, and feeding). Results: Oromotor dysfunction affected every participant and was identified in all structures examined (i.e., face, jaw, lips, and tongue). Oromotor movements showed little dissociation among j..