Understanding how children's throat muscles work during speech using MRI
Official title: Evaluating Velopharyngeal Function During Phonation in Children Utilizing Static MRI
Funded at East Carolina University · NIH-10926831 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how children with cleft palate or speech issues use their throat muscles when they talk, using special imaging to see how everything works, so doctors can better plan treatments and surgeries for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | East Carolina University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Greenville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,267 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DE033236-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10926831 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years, particularly those with a history of cleft palate or velopharyngeal insufficiency.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of speech or velopharyngeal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the velopharyngeal function in children, particularly those with a history of cleft palate or velopharyngeal insufficiency. By utilizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study aims to visualize the muscles and structures involved in speech production during specific phonation tasks. The goal is to establish normative data for how these structures behave during speech, which can aid in surgical planning and treatment for affected children. The research also considers racial differences in anatomy, which may influence speech physiology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide critical insights that improve surgical outcomes and speech therapy for children with velopharyngeal insufficiency.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has successfully utilized MRI to study similar anatomical and functional aspects in children, making this approach promising.
Where this research is happening
-
East Carolina University
Greenville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Snodgrass, Taylor — East Carolina University
- Study coordinator: Snodgrass, Taylor
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.