Breathing exercises to improve speech in children with cleft palate
Official title: Expiratory Muscle Strength Training as a Non-surgical Option for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: A Randomized-controlled Trial
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT05492266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if breathing exercises can help children with cleft palate improve their speech by reducing nasal sounds.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 3, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05492266 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children aged 5-17 years with a Pittsburgh weighted speech score of 5 or greater.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a hypernasality score below 2 or those who have had previous speech surgeries may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) in enhancing velopharyngeal closure in children with velopharyngeal dysfunction, particularly those experiencing hypernasality due to conditions like cleft palate. Conducted at a specialized cleft craniofacial center, the trial will involve a randomized, controlled design where participants will either engage in EMST for 6 to 8 weeks or receive no exercises. Following this initial phase, those showing improvement in nasal resonance will be further randomized to maintenance training or no exercises for an additional 6 months.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve speech intelligibility and quality of life for children with velopharyngeal insufficiency.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in improving speech outcomes in children with related conditions.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Score of 2 or greater on the nasality/resonance domain of the Pittsburgh Weighted Speech Scale * Ages 5-17 years Exclusion Criteria: * CAPS-A-AM hypernasality score \<2 * Previous speech surgery (e.g. palatoplasty or pharyngeal flap for speech) * Speech surgery scheduled within the next 56 days * Unable or unwilling to perform the tests and exercises outlined in the study
Where it's running
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UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Noel Jabbour, MD — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Amber D Shaffer, PhD
- Email: shafferad@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-692-6874
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.