Levator Veli Palatini Constriction and Voice Function in Children with Cleft Palate
Study on Muscle Contraction and Voice Function in Children with Cleft Palate
Robert Fujiki
Primary Investigator
Brief description of study
The focus of this study will be determining if levator veli palatini muscle contraction is associated with vocal fold function in children with cleft palate. We seek to determine the relationship between voice and palate function in this population.
Detailed description of study
The research study will require up to 2 visits (can be done in 1), and will take up to 60 to 75 minutes. The MRI methods used in the present study are modeled after previously published studies. Pertinent details (date of birth, exact age at scan, sex, race, all medical diagnoses, surgical history, palatoplasty operative note, most recent cleft team report, most recent hearing evaluation, weight, height, head circumference) from the medical chart will be pulled following study participation.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Healthy, Cleft palate
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Age: 4 years - 17 years
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria:
- Cleft Palate Group:
o Age 4 to 17 years
o Medical diagnosis of cleft palate (either cleft palate only or cleft lip with cleft palate)
o Willingness to participate following informed consent discussion
- Healthy Control Group:
o Healthy children/adolescents age 4 to 17 years
o Willingness to participate following informed consent discussion
This study investigates the relationship between the contraction of the levator veli palatini muscle and vocal fold function in children with cleft palate. Cleft palate is a condition where there is an opening in the roof of the mouth, which can affect speech and other functions. The study aims to understand how the muscle involved in lifting the soft palate affects the voice in affected children.
The study procedures include MRI scans to observe muscle and voice function. MRI, or Magnetic Resonance Imaging, is a way to take pictures of the inside of the body. The study will collect various details from participants' medical charts, such as age, medical history, and recent evaluations, to help understand the findings.
- Who can participate: Children aged 4 to 17 years with a medical diagnosis of cleft palate or healthy children in the same age range can participate. Participants must be willing to join the study after a discussion about informed consent.
- Study details: This is an observational study. Participants will undergo MRI scans, which are used to take detailed images of the body. The study will collect information from medical charts, including medical history and recent evaluations, to support the analysis.
- Study timelines and visits: The study will last 60 to 75 minutes. The study requires 2 visits.
