A longitudinal study of palatal plate therapy in children with Down syndrome. Effects on oral motor function

Aim: The aim of the present investigation was to study the effects of palatal plate therapy on oral motor function during a 4-year treatment period. Study design: The effect of palatal plate therapy on oral motor function in children with Down syndrome (DS) was studied over a 4-year period in a prospective randomised clinical study. Subjects: Twenty children with a mean age of 24 months were randomly assigned to a palatal plate group (n=9), or to a control group (n=11). The children in the palatal plate group were treated with modified palatal plates according to Castillo Morales for a treatment period of 4 years. All children in both groups had been enrolled in the same orofacial physiotherapy programme from birth. Orofacial muscle function was documented using video registrations of the face at baseline, after 1 year, and after 4 years. The parents’ perception of the treatment method was investigated using a questionnaire. Results: After 1 year of palatal plate therapy a significant increase in the variable ‘closed mouth’ (p< 0.001) and a significant decrease in the variable ‘inactive tongue protrusion’ (p<0.01) were found. A significant decrease in the summary variables for inactive muscle function was found after 4 years of palatal plate therapy (p<0.05). The summary variables for active muscle function were increased after 4 years but not significantly. Conclusion: The results indicate that palatal plate therapy in combination with orofacial physiotherapy may have beneficial long-term effects on oral motor function in DS children.