Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Osteopathic Methods of Correction in Combined Therapy of Pseudobulbar Dysarthria in Children of Preschool Age

Abstract

Introduction. According to the world statistics, the number of speech disorders in children is steadily growing, and therefore it becomes very important to detect and to correct them. At the same time, there are no research proving the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment of children presenting speech pathologies.Objective. To justify the effectiveness of osteopathic treatment of children presenting pseudobulbar dysarthria aged from 3 to 6 years old using objective data of neurological, osteopathic, ultrasound and neurophysiological examinations. Methods. 44 children aged from 3 to 6 years old with a diagnosis of the pseudobulbar dysarthria took part in the study. The average age at the beginning of the study was 4,2±0,7 years old. Two homogeneous groups of 22 children each were formed by simple randomization method with the use of a random number generator. Neurological, logopedic and osteopathic status of all the patients was evaluated. Duplex scanning of brachiocephalic vessels and an electro- encephalogram were made. Patients of the main group received osteopathic treatment in combination with neurological and logopedic treatment, while the control group was treated only by the neurologist and the speech therapist.Results. The study showed that the combination of osteopathic treatment with medical therapy and logopedic correction significantly improved the indices of cerebral hemodynamics and bioelectric activity of the brain, contributing to more active recovery of speech functions and decrease of concomitant neurological disorders, in comparison with the medication therapy combined with logopedic treatment.Conclusion. The results obtained permit to recommend the inclusion of osteopathic treatment in the standards of medical care for children presenting pseudobulbar dysarthria.