Which technique is particularly effective for treating phonation in patients with spastic dysarthria?

Which technique is particularly effective for treating phonation in patients with spastic dysarthria?

• A. Completing head and neck relaxation exercises
• B. Engaging in lip-stretching exercises
• C. Providing instruction in phonetic placement
• D. Working on pitch-range exercises

Answer: (A)

The technique of completing head and neck relaxation exercises is particularly effective for treating phonation in patients with spastic dysarthria because spastic dysarthria is characterized by increased muscle tone and rigidity, which can affect the muscles involved in speech production. Relaxation exercises help reduce this muscle tension, leading to improved voice quality and ease of phonation. By focusing on relaxation in the head and neck areas, patients can gain better control over their vocal apparatus and reduce the harshness or strain often associated with their speech. While other techniques, such as pitch-range exercises, phonetic placement instruction, and lip-stretching exercises, may offer benefits in specific aspects of speech therapy, they do not directly address the underlying muscle tension that is prevalent in spastic dysarthria. Relaxation techniques create a supportive foundation that can enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions, helping patients achieve clearer and more controlled voice production.

The technique of completing head and neck relaxation exercises is particularly effective for treating phonation in patients with spastic dysarthria because spastic dysarthria is characterized by increased muscle tone and rigidity, which can affect the muscles involved in speech production. Relaxation exercises help reduce this muscle tension, leading to improved voice quality and ease of phonation. By focusing on relaxation in the head and neck areas, patients can gain better control over their vocal apparatus and reduce the harshness or strain often associated with their speech.

While other techniques, such as pitch-range exercises, phonetic placement instruction, and lip-stretching exercises, may offer benefits in specific aspects of speech therapy, they do not directly address the underlying muscle tension that is prevalent in spastic dysarthria. Relaxation techniques create a supportive foundation that can enhance the effectiveness of other therapeutic interventions, helping patients achieve clearer and more controlled voice production.