The Efficacy of Oro-facial and Articulation Exercises in Dysarthria Following Stroke

Although there are many accounts of appropriate oro-facial and articulation exercises and treatment hierarchies for clients with dysarthria following stroke, there is little evidence relating to the efficacy of such therapy and little or no information indicating either the extent or the frequency with which these exercises should be practiced for optimum effect. This study investigates the efficacy of such traditional therapy for eight clients. A clinic-based therapy programme and an exercise routine for home practice was agreed by a group of speech and language therapists. The results indicate not only the value of the therapy but also a realistic and viable programme for clients to carry out at home.