Photobiomodulation in speech-language-hearing therapy: a profile of professional practice and the level of information of Brazilian speech-language-hearing therapists

Abstract

Purpose: to know the profile of Brazilian speech-language-hearing (SLH) therapists and their level of information on the use of low-level laser photobiomodulation. Methods: an observational, cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted with a self-administered online questionnaire related to the professional education, work, and knowledge of SLH therapists on low-level laser photobiomodulation. Two hundred sixty-one speech-language-hearing therapists of both sexes participated in the research. The data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: the speech-language-hearing therapists had graduated predominantly 10 to 20 years before, their highest degree was mainly specialization, and most of them worked in the fields of oral-motor functions, dysphagia, voice, language, and audiology. Most of them knew photobiomodulation and its use in SLH therapists; also, they agreed on using a low-level laser as a therapeutic resource. Even so, most did not use it in clinical practice, although those who did, reported greater patient adherence. Statistical significance was verified for the association between laser use and access to resolution number 541 of the Federal Speech-Language-Hearing Council, time in the profession, main specialization, and required qualification. Conclusion: the participating speech-language-hearing therapists showed knowledge on low-level laser photobiomodulation and its applicability. However, most of these professionals did not use the resource yet.

Electromyographic biofeedback and visual feedback in myofunctional therapy: usage profile by speech-language-hearing pathologists

“…Along with the rather young sample (mean of 40 years old) and the various postgraduate degrees, this suggests an effort to modernize their work in this field. It also indicates that most SLH therapists who work with oralmotor function are young adults -which agrees with other studies on complementary strategies associated with myofunctional therapy (such as photobiomodulation), in which the mean ages were 43 15 and 38 years old 16 .…”

Speech therapy rehabilitation in Tapia´s syndrome: case report

“…In this study, it was observed, through the performance of exercises for the stomatognathic functions and mainly aimed at the rehabilitation of facial mime, which had as objectives the gain of tonus and strength of the oral musculature. 36,37 According to the literature and observed in the reported case, photobiomodulation [38][39][40][41][42] and electrostimulation [43][44][45] associated with orofacial motor exercises 38,41,42,44 promoted positive results in control of saliva flow and ensure greater oromiofacial mobility, accelerating strength gain, maintaining fatigue levels and improving muscle performance. There are still limitations in the literature that do not allow a deeper understanding of the issue, as few articles related speech therapy rehabilitation in patients diagnosed with Tapia´s Syndrome.…”

Biofeedback eletromiográfico e feedback visual na terapia miofuncional: perfil de uso pelos fonoaudiólogos

“…Este dado sugere, alinhado com a idade mais jovem da amostra, com média de 40 anos, que existe uma busca por modernização nesta área, nos diversos graus de aprofundamento ao nível de pós-graduação. Indica também que os fonoaudiólogos atuantes da área de MO são, em sua maioria, de adultos jovens, semelhante a outros estudos sobre estratégias complementares associadas à terapia miofuncional, como o fotobiomodulação, em que as médias de idades encontradas foram 43 anos 15 e 38 anos 16 .…”