MRI-based modeling to understand anatomical basis of velopharyngeal dysfunction

The biomechanics of the VP mechanism are complex ? many aspects of VP anatomy and biomechanics can lead to the need for increased muscle activation during speech, including disadvantageous VP anatomy, impaired mechanical properties of the velum, and compromised muscle physiology; therefore, it is impossible to answer this question based purely on observational studies. We recently created computational models that predict closure mechanics given the VP anatomy, velum properties, and muscle physiology. The goal of this proposal will be to determine if the model predicts how and why certain children have VPI following as compared to others. The central hypothesis of this proposal is that increased need for muscle activation to achieve VP closure during speech leads to VPI in these children.

Scholars @ ECU