Gravitational Influence on the Velopharyngeal Mechanism in theUpright and Supine Position Among Children

Research is needed to improve surgical outcomes measures for children born with a cleft lip and palate particularly as it relates to speech and facial asymmetry. Studies have shown that hypernasality and facial asymmetries are features that can lead to the negative stigma often placed on these children. MRI is an imaging technique that is an excellent means for assessing the anatomy of children born with a cleft lip and palate. A major drawback to MRI is that images are acquired while the individual is in the supine position. Speech is produced in an upright position. Gravitational forces likely have an effect on soft tissue measures that might be obtained through MRI. The objectives of this study are to examine the effect of gravity on facial soft tissue measures and measures of velopharyngeal and oral structures in children. Subjects will be scanned using MRI while in the seated upright and in the supine position.

Scholars @ ECU