A Preliminary Dynamic Investigation on Velopharyngeal Movements During Blowing: A New Approach for Evaluation

Purpose: To explore an alternative approach to evaluate velopharyngeal function on those speakers with compensatory misarticulation. Method: Nasopharyngeal endoscopy was used to observe the velopharyngeal movement on 26 adult Mandarin speakers during articulation and different nonverbal state, including SCPS, DCPS, and ABS. Results: There were significant differences for the rate of velopharyngeal incompetence (RVPI) among the 4 different states. The RVPI was least for the Articulation State, followed by the Air Blowing and DCPS. The RVPI was largest for the SCPS. Conclusion: The result indicated that the ABS may be used as an alternative approach to evaluate the velopharyngeal function instead of the articulation samples while patients cannot make clear articulation due to compensatory misarticulation habits. It merits further study on nonverbal activities, which could lay a foundation for exploring more effective approach for evaluation of the velopharyngeal function.