Exploring the Connection Between Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder, Speech Errors of /s/
and /z/, and Auditory Perception Skills

Description
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) is defined as “abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth” by ASHA (2023). OMD leads to anterior carriage of the tongue, open mouth posture, mouth breathing, and tongue thrust swallow. Dentalization speech errors of /s/ and /z/ are

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD) is defined as “abnormal movement patterns of the face and mouth” by ASHA (2023). OMD leads to anterior carriage of the tongue, open mouth posture, mouth breathing, and tongue thrust swallow. Dentalization speech errors of /s/ and /z/ are also known to be caused by low and forward position of the tongue (Wadsworth, Maui, & Stevens, 1998). This study used the OMES-E protocol to identify 10 out of 40 participants with OMD. A cut-off below 80% accuracy for the production of /s/ and /z/ sounds classified 6 out of 40 participants with speech errors. Then, a correlation was run between speech score and OMD classification; it was not significant. This raises the question, why do some people with OMD have moderate to severe speech errors of /s/ and /z/, and some who have OMD do not? This study aims to explore this question beyond the motor modality. Using an auditory perception paradigm, the first and second formants of the vowel /ɛ/ were shifted to approximate /æ/. The participant’s responses and compensations to these shifts were recorded in real time. Results of this perceptual test could suggest that perceptual/compensatory differences may explain why some people in the OMD population have speech errors and some do not.
Date Created
2023-12
Agent

Evidence-Based Research Project on Multiple Sclerosis With Patient and Physician Perspectives

Description
The demyelinating and degenerating disease, multiple sclerosis, is the highlight of this evidence-based research project. A set of questions were created specifically to the patients and physicians. I conducted interviews with patients and physician to gather relevant data. The results were qualitatively analyzed and reported in the project.
Date Created
2023-12
Agent

COVID-19-Related Burnout in Emergency Medicine Providers

Description
The goal of this study is to create an experimental design proposal to ultimately determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency medicine provider burnout via an online survey utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical

The goal of this study is to create an experimental design proposal to ultimately determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on emergency medicine provider burnout via an online survey utilizing the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI HSS-MP). This report will be an analysis of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a review and discussion of burnout regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and an experimental design proposal employing Qualtrics survey software. In the event of future survey distribution and further data collection, this survey would help establish a post-COVID-19 baseline for emergency medicine burnout.
Date Created
2023-12
Agent

Rainbow Monster Madness: The Physical Therapy Game for Children with Down Syndrome

Description

Accessing adequate healthcare, particularly essential services like physical therapy, presents a significant challenge for individuals with Down syndrome. This demographic often encounters obstacles such as limited accessibility, scarce resources, and a lack of tailored solutions that specifically address their unique

Accessing adequate healthcare, particularly essential services like physical therapy, presents a significant challenge for individuals with Down syndrome. This demographic often encounters obstacles such as limited accessibility, scarce resources, and a lack of tailored solutions that specifically address their unique needs. The resulting disparity leads to inconsistent care and suboptimal healthcare experiences. Recognizing the importance of eliminating these barriers is crucial to create a more inclusive healthcare environment for individuals with Down syndrome. Rainbow Monster Madness serves as a multifaceted solution to the social determinants of health that significantly impact individuals with Down syndrome. The game's design directly tackles several of these determinants by offering accessible, engaging, and family-centered therapy. In terms of healthcare access and quality, the game empowers parents to actively participate in their child's therapy, ensuring the correct administration of exercises and the consistent provision of quality care. The game's design addresses neighborly and built environment determinants by providing an accessible and inclusive therapy option that can be implemented within the comfort of one's home. This approach fosters a sense of safety and familiarity for children undergoing therapy, promoting a more relaxed and conducive environment. Additionally, Rainbow Monster Madness encourages social community engagement by fostering a collaborative atmosphere between parents and children during therapy sessions. This collaborative approach creates a supportive and engaging environment, positively impacting the overall therapeutic experience. Adhering to the principles of Self-Determination Theory, the game cultivates intrinsic motivation and psychological well-being among children with Down syndrome. This approach enables active engagement in therapy and contributes to their overall health and well-being. The exercises included in Rainbow Monster Madness are carefully selected to cater to the unique needs of individuals with Down syndrome. This regimen combines muscle-strengthening, cardio, and balance exercises, tailored to this specific population. The modification of exercises and thematic design ensures that children remain enthusiastic about their therapy, ultimately promoting better adherence and more effective results. In summary, Rainbow Monster Madness represents a comprehensive solution to the multitude of challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome in accessing healthcare. Simultaneously, it addresses the broader social determinants of health, thereby fostering a healthier and more inclusive future for this deserving population.

Date Created
2023-12
Agent