Speech training based on mirror neuron theory can improve children′s functional articulation disorders / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of speech training based on mirror neuron theory on children with functional articulation disorder (FAD).Methods:Fifty children with FAD were randomly divided into a training group and a control group, each of 25. Both groups received 30 minutes of conventional speech training 5 times a week for 24 weeks, while the training group was additionally given 20 minutes of speech training based on mirror neuron theory simultaneously. Before and after the intervention, both groups were evaluated using the articulation speech ability assessment scale and the oral motor ability assessment scale.Results:Before the treatment, there were no significant differences between the 2 groups in any of the measurements. After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in all of the measurements for both groups, but at that point the training group′s articulation, motor ability of the lower jaw, tongue and lips were all significantly superior to the control group′s averages.Conclusions:Speech training based on mirror neuron theory can significantly improve the articulation, intelligibility and oral motor functioning of children with functional articulation disorder.