Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Nursing Infants (6-24 months) (OMES-E Infants)

ABSTRACT

Purpose

Adapt and validate the content and appearance of the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E) for nursing infants aged 6 to 24 months.

Methods

This is a validation study. The parameters were based on the literature on orofacial motor development, the authors’ experience, and on a committee of ten members. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, content validity index, and agreement among experts.

Results

The protocol was organized into functional blocks after maintenance, exclusion, modification, and addition of items, and was adapted according to the age group. A high level of agreement between experts was obtained for 90% of the items. The final version of the protocol includes new items such as history of feeding, orofacial parafunctional habits, facial mobility, dentition, oral breathing mode, swallowing of pasty food, and details specific for the age group. An operational manual and a table for recording the scores were also included.

Conclusions

The OMES-E Infants protocol was validated for its content and appearance, and may contribute to orofacial myofunctional diagnosis in the 6 to 24-month age group.

Keywords:
Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences; Nursing Infant; Validation Studies; Myofunctiona; Therapy; Stomatognathic System

RESUMO

Objetivo

Adaptar e validar conteúdo e aparência do Protocolo de Avaliação Miofuncional Orofacial com Escores Expandido (AMIOFE-E) para lactentes de 6 a 24 meses de idade.

Método

Estudo de validação. Os parâmetros foram baseados em literatura sobre desenvolvimento motor orofacial, experiência dos autores e painel de 10 especialistas. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva, Índice de Validade de Conteúdo e concordância entre especialistas.

Resultados

O protocolo foi organizado em blocos funcionais após manutenção, exclusão, modificação e acréscimo de itens, adaptando-se à faixa etária. Obteve-se alto nível de concordância em 90% dos itens. Na versão final foram acrescidos: histórico de alimentação e hábitos parafuncionais orofaciais, mobilidade facial, dentição, modo oral de respiração, deglutição de pastoso e detalhamentos específicos para a faixa etária. Acrescentou-se um manual operacional e uma tabela para registro de escores.

Conclusão

O Protocolo AMIOFE-E Lactentes e respectivo manual operacional foram validados quanto ao conteúdo e aparência, e poderá contribuir no diagnóstico miofuncional orofacial na faixa etária de 6 a 24 meses de idade.

Descritores:
Fonoaudiologia; Lactente; Estudos de Validação; Terapia Miofuncional; Sistema Estomatognático

INTRODUCTION

In Speech-language Pathology (SLP), structured assessment instruments that allow the determination of deviations and changes in Orofacial Motricity (OM) are very important to guide the therapeutic program to be implemented. Thus, it is possible to establish the baseline at the beginning of the therapeutic process and make comparisons to analyze the case evolution(11 Andrade CRF. Plano terapêutico fonoaudiológico (PTF): metas, planejamento e bases para aplicação. In: Pró-Fono. Planos Terapêuticos Fonoaudiológicos (PTF). Pró-Fono: Barueri; 2015. p. 1-5.).

The preparation or adaptation of protocols by specialists is the first step towards the definition of a method. Subsequently, this protocol (or method) must go through the appraisal of other specialists and validity analyses to test and evidence the capacity of the measure to capture or reveal a certain phenomenon, including its format, content, and scales(22 Medeiros AMC, Nascimento HS, Santos MKO, Barreto IDC, Jesus EMS. Análise do conteúdo e aparência do protocolo de acompanhamento fonoaudiológico - aleitamento materno. Audiol Commun Res. 2018;23(0):e1921. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-6431-2017-1921.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-6431-2017...
). The validation process is important so that the interpretation of the results obtained with the instrument can be valid, reliable, accurate, and equitable(33 Pernambuco L, Espelt A, Magalhães HV Jr, Lima KC. Recomendações para elaboração, tradução, adaptação transcultural e processo de validação de testes em Fonoaudiologia. CoDAS. 2017;29(3):e20160217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20172016217. PMid:28614460.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/2017...
).

Protocols for assessing neonates (0-28 days of life)(44 Palmer MM, Crawley K, Blanco IA. Neonatal oral-motor assessment scale: A reliability study. J Perinatol. 1993;13(1):28-35. PMid:8445444.

5 Mosele PG, Santos JF, Godói VC, Costa FM, Toni PMD, Fujinaga CI. Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido com vistas a alimentação ao seio materno. Rev CEFAC. 2014;16(5):1548-57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201426412.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620142...
-66 Martinelli RLC, Marchesan IQ, Lauris JR, Honório HM, Gusmão RJ, Berretin-Felix G. Validade e confiabilidade da triagem: “teste da linguinha. Rev CEFAC. 2016;18(6):1323-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620161868716.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620161...
) and children aged ≥6 years(77 Felício CM, Ferreira CLP. Protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2008;72(3):367-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2007.11.012. PMid:18187209.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2007....
,88 Felício CM, Folha GA, Ferreira CLP, Medeiros APM. Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores: validity and reliability. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;74(11):1230-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.021. PMid:20800294.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010....
) have been validated in the area of OM. However, there is no instrument for the specific assessment of OM in early childhood, especially for the nursing infant population (6-24 months old). The existing validated instruments address feeding, and the data are mainly obtained from surveys with parents(99 Pados BF, Thoyre SM, Park J. Age-based norm-reference values for the child oral and motor proficiency scale. Acta Paediatr. 2018;107(8):1427-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.14299. PMid:29486068.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.14299...
,1010 Thoyre SM, Pados BF, Park J, Estrem H, McComish C, Hodges EA. The pediatric eating assessment tool. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(2):299-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000001765. PMid:28953526.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000...
).

However, the craniofacial and oral structures are influenced by sex, ethnicity, age, and genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors(1111 Medeiros AMC, Medeiros M. Motricidade Orofacial Inter-relação entre Fonoaudiologia & Odontologia. São Paulo: Lovise; 2006. 125 p.), which are not always positive. Therefore, the combination of a family survey with an assessment of orofacial structures and functions of nursing infants would be useful to define preventive goals and promote craniofacial growth and development.

The Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES)(77 Felício CM, Ferreira CLP. Protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2008;72(3):367-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2007.11.012. PMid:18187209.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2007....
) was the first protocol validated in Brazil for the assessment of OM for the 6 to 12-year age group. The OMES has numerical scales that represent orofacial characteristics and behaviors, allowing measurement from direct observation by speech-language therapists and diagnosis of orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMD). Later, an expanded version in terms of number of items and numerical scale amplitude was developed and validated: the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E), which is the basis for this study.

This study aims to present the OMES-E Infants (nursing infants aged 6-24 months) protocol and describe the validation process of its content and appearance.

METHOD

This validation study is part of a larger project entitled Orofacial Motricity in Infants and Preschoolers approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Federal University of Sergipe (CEP-UFS), Brazil, under protocol no. 12529419.6.0000.5546.

Participants

Ten speech-language therapists from the five regions of Brazil, selected from the Lattes Curriculum platform of the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), agreed to participate as evaluators of the instrument (OMES-E Infants). Having a title of expert in OM and experience with nursing infants were the inclusion criteria. Unavailability to participate or respond to the electronic form within the time established to complete the research was the exclusion criterion. All participants signed an Informed Consent Form (ICF) prior to responding to the electronic form received.

Development of the instrument

The OMES-E protocol(88 Felício CM, Folha GA, Ferreira CLP, Medeiros APM. Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores: validity and reliability. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;74(11):1230-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.021. PMid:20800294.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010....
) can be applied without the need of sophisticated and/or invasive equipment in a reasonably brief time. It was adopted as the basis to develop the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Nursing Infants (OMES-E Infants). The authors of the original protocol issued a favorable opinion for its adaptation and validation for nursing infants. Subsequently, the following recommended strategies were adopted(33 Pernambuco L, Espelt A, Magalhães HV Jr, Lima KC. Recomendações para elaboração, tradução, adaptação transcultural e processo de validação de testes em Fonoaudiologia. CoDAS. 2017;29(3):e20160217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20172016217. PMid:28614460.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/2017...
): theoretical study, experience of researchers with the outcome of interest, and submission to a committee of expert evaluators in the area.

The literature considered addressed orofacial motor development between 6 and 24 months of age(1111 Medeiros AMC, Medeiros M. Motricidade Orofacial Inter-relação entre Fonoaudiologia & Odontologia. São Paulo: Lovise; 2006. 125 p.

12 Telles MS, Macedo CS. Relação entre desenvolvimento motor corporal e aquisição de habilidades orais. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2008;20(2):117-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008000200008. PMid:18622520.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008...

13 Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199. PMid:11999548.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002....

14 Bossle R, Franzon R, Gomes E. Medidas antropométricas orofaciais em crianças de três a cinco anos de idade. Rev. CEFAC. 2015;17(3):899-906. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201514714
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620151...
-1515 de Carvalho FG, Medeiros IC, Rangel M L, de Castro RD. Desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático e a atuação odontológica na síndrome de down. In: Delgado IC, Alves GÂS, Lima ILB, da Rosa MRD, editors. Contribuições da Fonoaudiologia na Síndrome de Down. Ribeirão Preto: Book Toy; 2016. p. 137-52.). The numerical scales of the current protocol were defined based on psychophysics, as performed in the OMES and OMES-E protocols. According to Stevens(1616 Stevens SS. Psychophysics: introduction to its perceptual, neural, and social prospects. New York: A Wiley-Interscience Publication; 1975. 329 p.), measuring consists of assigning numbers to objects or events according to certain determined rules, which establish a correspondence between certain properties of numbers and certain properties of things and clinical or social attributes(1616 Stevens SS. Psychophysics: introduction to its perceptual, neural, and social prospects. New York: A Wiley-Interscience Publication; 1975. 329 p.). Therefore, it was defined that the relationship between the numbers should be ordinal (ordinal level of measurement), which allows the establishment of an order (rank) of clinical conditions and does not require that the intervals between the numbers on the scale be equidistant.

Expert assessment

The material produced was submitted to experts for content and appearance analysis. As recommended for validation studies(33 Pernambuco L, Espelt A, Magalhães HV Jr, Lima KC. Recomendações para elaboração, tradução, adaptação transcultural e processo de validação de testes em Fonoaudiologia. CoDAS. 2017;29(3):e20160217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20172016217. PMid:28614460.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/2017...
), the following steps were performed:

Step I: Instrument Analysis - First round. The experts were contacted individually via instant messaging application and email. After consent, the evaluators received an electronic form by e-mail for analysis of the instrument's content. An initial questionnaire was used to collect data on the demographic characteristics and professional experience of the experts. After that, the evaluators visualized the OMES-E Infants and answered the evaluation form prepared by the researchers on the relevance of each item in the protocol. Participants answered whether or not they agreed on the sufficiency and suitability of each item for the intended assessment. The answers were dichotomous (yes/no) and followed by areas for justification.

In this step, the Delphi technique(1717 Marques JBV, de Freitas D. Método DELPHI: caracterização e potencialidades na pesquisa em Educação. Pro-Posições. 2018;29(2):389-415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1980-6248-2015-0140.
https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-6248-2015-0...
) was used to obtain the evaluators' judgments aiming to validate the content, update the nomenclature, and verify the capacity of the instrument to perform a myofunctional assessment in the intended age group. However, only the authors had access to the responses of the different evaluators and worked on them to establish a consensus. Upon obtaining the answers, the Content Validity Index (CVI)(1818 Polit DF, Beck CT. The content validity index: are you sure you know what’s being reported? critique and recommendations. Res Nurs Health. 2006;29(5):489-97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147. PMid:16977646.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147...
) and the agreement between the experts were calculated. The minimum response agreement limit adopted in this stage for the maintenance of an item was 70%, considering that a new evaluation would be carried out after adjustments.

Step II: Adequacy of the protocol. The evaluators’ responses were recorded and analyzed in a Microsoft Word 2016® document. The necessary reformulations were carried out considering the level of agreement.

Step III: Reassessment of the instrument's content and appearance validity - Second round. The redesigned protocol was resubmitted to the evaluators’ analysis. The evaluators expressed their opinions on the pertinence and suitability of the various parts that comprise the OMES-E Infants, as well as on their appearance, through a 5-point scale as follows: totally agree (score 1), agree (score 2), indifferent (score 3), disagree (score 4), and totally disagree (score 5). In this step, to be considered valid, the level of agreement between the evaluators in the answers “totally agree” and “agree” should be greater than 80% (>0.8)(1919 Neto PGF, Falcao MC. Eruption chronology of the first deciduous teeth in children born prematurely with birth weight less than 1500g. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2014;32(1):17-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014000100004. PMid:24676185.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014...
). The items with values lower ​​than the established should be reformulated or excluded after analysis. Appraisal of the operational manual (Appendix 1 Appendix 1 Operational Manual –OMES-E Infants EXPANDED PROTOCOL OF OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL EVALUATION WITH SCORES FOR NURSING INFANTS (6-24 months) Andréa Monteiro Correia Medeiros, Gabriela Rodrigues Dourado, Gislaine Aparecida Folha, Anna Luiza dos Santos Matos, Sarah Catarina Santos do Nascimento, Cláudia Maria de Felício This operational manual is included in the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Nursing Infants (6-24 months old): OMES-E Infants and presents information and instructions for its application. The OMES-E Infants protocol was developed from the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E) (Felício et al., 2010)(8) to allow the assessment of OM of the population aged 6 to 24 months. The clinical evaluation, as proposed in the OMES-E Infants, is subjective and depends on the professional's ability to observe, perceive, and judge, which are skills that result from their education and training. The fact that it allows expression of the results in scores (numerical scales) does not make it objective, but it allows systematization and monitoring of the data of each patient according to their clinical evolution. The OMES-E Infants protocol is not exhaustive. Therefore, the professional will be able to complement the investigation with other assessments and protocols when there is need for a more comprehensive analysis on some aspect found altered or with suspicion of change. The OMES-E Infant is divided as follows: The initial pages of the protocol include identification information, clinical data, and the history of feeding and orofacial parafunctional habits. The information to be filled out should be obtained through an interview with the legal guardian of the infant. In this initial part, scores are not assigned, but the information will be essential for interpretation of the assessment data and diagnosis of the orofacial myofunctional condition. FOOD HISTORY AND OROFACIAL PARAFUNCTIONAL HABITS: In the tables related to the feeding history, the speech-language therapist must mark the periods (in months) of occurrence, for each offering mode (method). The “never” option should be checked if the offering mode has not been used at any time in life to feed the infant. 1. Feeding mode: Breastfeeding It refers to the breastfeeding situation, which may involve both exclusive breast milk (offered on the breast, bottle, cup, or tube), and the use of artificial milk (milk formulas prescribed by a physician); or even both forms (mixed breastfeeding). The description of a mixed diet and/or use of a tube and the complementary information, which may reveal difficulties encountered during feeding, should be written in the area indicated below the table. 2. Feeding mode: Food in general It refers to the situation of feeding that includes the use of various utensils. The feeding skills that involve the motor control of nursing infants can provide important information about their orofacial myofunctional development. 3. Texture of the diet To specify and standardize the texture (consistency) of foods, the classification of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) was adopted (Cichero et al. 2017)(21), whose latest version was published as Complete IDDSI Framework - Detailed definitions - 2.0 | 2019 (available at https://iddsi.org/framework/). The proposal of the IDDSI researchers provides standardized terminologies and definitions regarding foods and liquids applicable to cases of dysphagia. Despite this, in the absence of such a clear classification, the OMES-E Infants was adopted because of the constant difficulty experienced by professionals, including speech-language therapists, with the nomenclature related to the diet. The two tables indicate the months in which the infant received the food, according to the feeding mode and texture of the diet, and we could mark whether the feeding was done in an assisted or independent way, choosing the letters “A” or “I”, respectively. 4. Difficulties during and/or adaptations in feeding: In this item, the period (beginning, duration) in months in which each difficulty and/or adaptation occurred can be recorded, including the investigation of food refusal and hospitalization. The professional needs to describe the difficulty/adaptation found/performed to guide the clinical reasoning of the etiology of any changes that may be observed in the clinical examination to be performed. 5. Parafunctional orofacial habits: In this item, the time of occurrence (in months) of each oral habit (pacifier, finger sucking, and others) can be registered. In case of other types of habits, describe it in field provided. It is also recommended to note the daily frequency of the habit in hours, as this survey can give indications of the impact of this habit on the orofacial structures, depending on its frequency, intensity, and duration. CLINICAL EXAMINATION The individual clinical evaluation of OM should be performed with the individual standing vertically, keeping the spine supported (infant car seat, chair, or guardian's lap), facing the evaluator. The protocol was adapted considering that the foods offered must be registered, with attention to the possibilities inherent in the age and the nursing infant's usual dietary pattern. Appearance and postural condition/position: Visual observation of orofacial structures and components is recommended to evaluate this item. Some support can be used by the speech-language therapist if they consider that this facilitates the analysis. For example, when evaluating face symmetry, dental floss can be used, holding it in the midline of the face to compare the right and left sides. Although Morphology/Volume, Function at rest, Tension, and Mobility are recorded separately in the items Cheeks, Lips and Tongue, the speech-language therapist should relate them to the behaviors in the orofacial functions at the end of the evaluation. Regarding dentition, the speech-language therapist should only mark the teeth that have erupted completely. Subsequently, consulting the literature on the chronology of deciduous dental eruption will help define whether the development of dentition follows normal patterns or not, and specific referral to a dental professional is required. As for the palate, it should be considered as altered when there are changes involving both the hard and soft/uvula palate. Oral malformations associated with palate/uvula problems are considered to aggravate the condition and should receive lower scores. Mobility: Facial mobility should be assessed based on the observation of spontaneous movements of the nursing infant during the interaction with the speech-language therapist and/or guardian. It should be observed from the first moment, in the situation of the initial interview with the guardian. FUNCTIONS Breathing: To classify the breathing mode, speech-language therapists may consider if the nursing infant remains with the lips occluded whenever at rest, which indicates exclusively nasal breathing (normal). They can base their classification on the frequency at which mixed breathing is used, and classify it as light (few times) or moderate (most times) oronasal breathing. If breathing is performed only through the oral cavity, a classification of severe dysfunction should be assigned. A millimeter mirror can be used as an auxiliary method to verify whether there is expiration through the nostrils and whether flow out of both nostrils is symmetrical or not. Deglutition: Observation of this function should consider the pattern according to the infant's age range and the feeding mode and food consistency. The following utensils are considered in the feeding modes: spoon and cup. If another utensil is used, such as a fork, it should be described in the area for “Other”. Breastfeeding and bottle feeding were not considered in the clinical evaluation of this protocol. When liquid is offered via breast or bottle, it is recommended that the evaluation be carried out using a specific feeding assessment instrument. A common cup with a lid and/or a valve can be used to evaluate liquid feeding. Although the terms liquid, pasty and solid have been maintained in this protocol because they are common in the area, the food texture thought for each of these terms considered the classification of the IDDSI (Cichero et al. 2017)(21). As a result, Table 3 of the protocol shows the texture levels so that the speech-language therapist can consult the document, which has easy and free access. Evaluation of deglutition of liquid and pasty food is conducted in nursing infants aged >6 months, whereas deglutition of solids is conducted from 12 months of age, following the same age range for observation of the mastication function. We should consider the postural behaviors of the tongue and lips, and others, during the performance of the function. In the event of any occurrence feeding with liquid consistency, we should consider whether it is expected (physiological standard) for the corresponding age group. When the observed behavior is expected for the age group, the assigned score must be normal. Mastication: For analysis of this function, solid food should be offered, which is considered everyday food of the same consistency as that of the family, and all types of utensils should be used during feeding. Therefore, the nursing infant will be subjected to mastication assessment according to their chronological age and individual development. All aspects evaluated contain spaces for recording partial scores, even during the examination situation. At the end of the protocol, the partial and total scores should also be recorded in the “Results” table, thus obtaining the total score of the infant. The values shown in the results table are the maximum possible scores to be registered in the protocol for each item evaluated, according to the age group. However, at the moment, it cannot be stated that children with normal orofacial myofunctional conditions would always reach all maximum scores. There is intention to establish cutoff points from the use of the OMES-E Infants protocol in the future. It is worth mentioning, however, that the scores obtained in the orofacial myofunctional evaluation are a record/photograph of the infant's current moment, presenting an important value in the longitudinal and individual monitoring of the infant's OM profile. ), which had been previously requested by the evaluators, was included in this step. The manual aims to facilitate the application of the instrument in the clinical context, through definitions, conceptualize what is intended to be evaluated in certain items.

RESULTS

The OMES-E Infants protocol presented here was divided into functional blocks of related structures, and most items present points/score on an ordinal level scale. It was established that numbers 4, 3, 2, 1 would correspond to terms familiar to the clinician, such as normal and mild, moderate and severe changes, respectively. Only in some items of the protocol, the scale of four was not followed, such as in “efficiency of swallowing” and “elevation of the jaw” in mastication, for which a scale three points was used. Additionally, the items “other behaviors and change signs” during swallowing and chewing have dichotomous scales [present (1) and absent (2)], and the results should be added to the other scores attributed to these functions. The protocol has descriptions that assists with assigning the scores. No score should be assigned if certain aspects could not be determined in the development phase.

The application parameters of the original instrument continued to be used, with video and photo image records for further analysis. Aiming at standardisation of the results, guidance on the infant's posture during the evaluation and information about food texture were added.

The expert committee was composed only of women. In addition to a title of expert in OM and experience with infants, most of them had a doctorate degree, were SLP teachers, and had worked with OM for over 15 years. Specifically, regarding the performance with infants, there is a uniform distribution concerning time, as shown in Table 1.

Table 1
Sociodemographic and academic characterization of experts.

According to the experts' analysis in the first round, the researchers made some changes in the protocol and submitted a revised version of the instrument for further evaluation, together with the operational manual. In the second assessment round, the final version of the instrument, in terms of content and scores, obtained a high level of agreement between the evaluators. Table 2 shows the results of the first and second assessment rounds. The experts also agreed on the appearance and distribution of the protocol (100%) and on the clarity of its items (90%) (Table 3).

Table 2
Agreement between evaluators in the content analysis of the adapted OMES-E Infants protocol.
Table 3
Agreement between evaluators regarding the appearance of the final version of the OMES-E Infants protocol.

The content adaptation and development of the OMES-E Infants, initially carried out only by the authors and, later, considering the analyses and suggestions of the experts, involved the following conducts: 1. Maintenance, 2. Exclusion, 3. Modification, and 4. Addition of items.

  1. 1

    Maintenance: The protocol is still divided into categories. The following items remain the same as those of the OMES-E protocol in terms of content: facial symmetry, volume of the cheeks, lips, and tongue, width and height of the hard palate, some behaviors of the lips and tongue during the swallowing function, swallowing efficiency, bite regarding the teeth involved, and behaviors suggestive of changes during mastication.

  2. 2

    Exclusion: items incompatible with assigning scores due to age, such as proportion between thirds of the face, vertical and anteroposterior mandible/maxilla relationship, nasolabial groove, labial commissure, mentalis muscle, tongue postural relationship with occlusion, in addition to the category isolated mobility of the stomatognathic system components, which would depend on the imitation or execution of direct orders provided by the examiner.

  3. 3

    Modification: Descriptions of changes in maxilla/mandible morphology in the face block were included. Lip condition at rest and positioning of the tongue in the position/appearance category and swallowing function were also modified, in the case of the tongue, due to the impossibility of verifying the association of the tongue position with the dental relationships in the focused age group. Aspects related to the mastication of solids were also modified, giving priority to mandibular movements and observation of trituration.

  4. 4

    Addition: Five topics were added to obtain data, namely, feeding mode - breastfeeding; feeding mode - food in general; diet texture; difficulties and/or adaptations during feeding; orofacial parafunctional habits. In this version of the protocol, subitems and descriptions appropriate to the age group were also included. They were related to the appearance/position and morphology of the lips, tongue (including the frenulum), cheeks and hard palate, in addition to behaviors suggestive of changes (cough and residues in the oral cavity), as well as information on whether there was choking and coughing during or after the function, and oral breathing mode. The following items were included: “facial mobility”, whose data can be obtained from the observation of spontaneous situations during the evaluation, “soft palate/uvula”, and “swallowing of pasty food” as of 6 months of age. For the evaluation of mastication and swallowing of solid food, a minimum age of 12 months was established . In addition, the type of utensil used in feeding and an illustration for recording the dental elements present in the deciduous dentition were included with respective numerical representation. No scores are attributed to history, dentition, and utensil used in feeding, which are useful in interpretation, but do not interfere with the final score.

Finally, a scaled table to record the score obtained by the individual in the assessment was prepared. It contained, for reference, the maximum score for each item and the total score, by age group, according to the following chronology: from 6 to 11 months and 29 days and from 12 to 24 months. Appendix 2 Appendix 2 OMES-E Infants EXPANDED PROTOCOL OF OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL EVALUATION WITH SCORES FOR NURSING INFANTS Andréa Monteiro Correia Medeiros, Gabriela Rodrigues Dourado, Gislaine Aparecida Folha, Anna Luiza dos Santos Matos, Sarah Catarina Santos do Nascimento, Cláudia Maria de Felício IDENTIFICATION AND CLINICAL DATA Date of application ___/____/____ Identification number: ____________________________ Child's name: _________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Legal guardian: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Degree of relationship of the guardian: _________________________________________________________________ Telephone: (___) _______________ Medical diagnosis: __________________________________________ Referral: ____________________ Birthday____/_____/_____ Current age:_____ years and _____ months Corrected age:_ ____ years and _____ months Gestational age: _________weeks APGAR: 1st min: ________ 5th min: ________ Weight at birth: _________Kg Current weight: _________Kg Current height: _______ cm FOOD HISTORY AND OROFACIAL PARAOFUNCTIONAL HABITS 1. Feeding mode: Breastfeeding Indicate the months in which the infant was breastfed (liquid*) according to the feeding mode. For those not used, check the “Never” column in the corresponding line. Mode Never Age in months 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24 Breastfeeding Bottle feeding Cup Mixed Tube * Zero levels of liquid thickness according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. Available at https://iddsi.org/framework/. If you checked Mixed, describe it: ______________________________________________________________________ If you checked Tube (nasogastric tube), describe it: ___________________________________________________ Additional information (e.g., nipple type, nipple orifice size, difficulties, and others):____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Feeding mode: Food in general Indicate the months in which the infant received food according to the feeding mode. In each of the periods, you should mark “A” if assisted or “I” if independent. Mode Never Age in months 4-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24 Cup with valve/lid A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Common cup A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Spoon A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Hands to hold the food and bring it to the mouth to bite A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Fork A I A I A I A I A I A I A I 3. Diet texture Indicate the months in which the infant received food according to texture. In each of the Periods, you should mark “A” if assisted or “I” if independent. Textures* 1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24 Thin liquid0 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Moderately thick liquid 3 (first baby’s food) A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Pasty (Pureed)4 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Chopped (or ground) and moist A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Requiring minimal chewing Soft food6 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Requiring mastication Solid (Regular)7 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I Requiring mastication *Source: International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. Adopted to define food textures. Available at https://iddsi.org/framework/. 0 Liquid thickness level 0 (zero); 3 Liquid thickness level 3; 4 Liquid thickness level 4 or Food texture level 4; 5 Food texture level 5; 6 Food texture level 6; 7 Food texture level 7. 4. Difficulties and/or adaptations during feeding Record the period in months of each difficulty and/or adaptation. Difficulty/adaptation No Yes Start (age in months) Duration (age in months) Which? Bottle nipple adaptation Adaptation to utensil (spoon) Use of alternative feeding route Diagnosis of food restriction Food refusal Hospitalization 5. Orofacial parafunctional habits Check all periods (months) that the infant performed each habit. If the infant has not had one or more habits, check the “Never” column in the corresponding line. Never Age in months 1-2 3-4 5-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24 Pacifier Finger sucking Others If you checked others, describe it: ___________________________________________________________ Inform the daily frequency of the habits (e.g., number of hours) _____________________________ CLINICAL EXAMINATION APPEARANCE AND POSTURAL CONDITION/POSITION Face Scores Symmetry between right and left sides Normal (4) Asymmetry Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Decreased side (mark the side) Right Left Maxilla/Mandible Morphology Normal (3) Altered Micrognathia (2) Maxilla and mandible hypoplasia (1) Decreased side (mark the side) Right Left Relationship with the midline Normal (4) Altered (lateral deviation) Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Side with deviation Right Left Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 11 Cheeks Scores Volume Normal (4) Altered volume Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Increased Decreased Right Left Both Tension Normal (4) Increased Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Flaccid/drooping Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 08 Teeth Mark the dental elements present. Lips Scores Morphology Normal (4) Altered morphology Dry/Cracks (3) Operated (cheiloplasty) (2) Uncorrected cleft lip (1) Volume Normal (4) Altered Volume Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Increased Decreased Lips function at rest Occluded: normally fulfill the function (4) Lips closure Light dysfunction (half-open) (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 12 Tongue Scores Position/Appearance Normal (the infant remains with the mouth closed and there is no exposure of the tongue) (4) Altered Light dysfunction (the infant remains the mouth open with the tongue on the floor of the mouth) (3) Moderate dysfunction (the infant remains with the mouth open with the tongue interposed to lips) (2) Severe dysfunction (the infant remains with the open with the tongue exceeding the lips) (1) Morphology Normal (size and shape) (4) Altered morphology Light dysfunction (3) () Microglossia () Macroglossia Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (with impaired breathing) (1) Volume Volume compatible with the oral cavity Normal (4) Increased and/or widened volume Light dysfunction (3) (check the relationship with the oral cavity space) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Tongue Frenulum* Normal (extension, fixation, and thickness) (4) Altered in: Light dysfunction (3) () Thickness Moderate dysfunction (2) () Fixation Severe dysfunction (1) () Extension Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 16 *Note: In the event of frenulum change, application of a specific protocol is recommended. Hard palate Scores Morphology Normal (4) Altered Operated (Palatoplasty) (3) Moderate changes (other) (2) Uncorrected cleft palate (1) Width Normal (4) Decreased width (narrow) Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Height Normal dysfunction (4) Increased height (deep) Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Severe dysfunction (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 12 Soft Palate/Uvula Scores Morphology Normal (4) Altered palatine veil Long (3) Short (3) Short associated with another oral malformation (2) Bifid uvula associated with another oral malformation (2) Absent uvula associated with another oral malformation (1) Uncorrected cleft palate (1) Other changes (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 Observations: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________________ MOBILITY Facial mobility Scores Appropriate facial expression Normal (4) Reduced or altered facial expression Little facial expression (3) Asymmetry when performing facial expressions (2) Absent - no facial expression (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 FUNCTIONS Breathing Scores Mode Nasal breathing Normal (4) Oronasal breathing Light dysfunction (3) Moderate dysfunction (2) Mouth breathing Severe dysfunction (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 If the millimeter mirror was used to analyze the expiratory flow, write the result: _______________________________________________________________________________________________ Deglutition (liquid/pasty) Utensil used during feeding: () Spoon (); Cup: ⬜ common ⬜ with lid ⬜ with valve. Other: __________________________________________________________________________ □ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE Deglutition: Lips behavior Scores Lips closure Without apparent effort (4) Partial closure (when expected for the age group) Lips closure but with inadequate contraction for the age group Sharp contraction (3) Reduced contraction (2) Lips do not close the oral cavity Does not fulfill the function (1) Food used in the evaluation: Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 □ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE Deglutition: Tongue behavior Scores Contained in the oral cavity Normal (4) Slightly interposed (when expected for age group) Not contained in the oral cavity - interposition Interposed with teeth or gingival arches (atypically) Light dysfunction (3) Remaining in contact with the upper and lower lips Moderate dysfunction (2) Excessively surpassing gingival arches/teeth Severe dysfunction (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 □ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE Deglutition: other behaviors and change signs Scores Present Absent Present (when expected for the age group) Movements of the head or other parts of the body (1) (2) (2) Mandible sliding (1) (2) (2) Facial muscle tension (1) (2) (2) Food Escape (1) (2) (2) Choking During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2) Cough During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2) Noise (1) (2) (2) Residue in the oral cavity (1) (2) (2) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 16 □ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE Deglutition Efficiency Scores Liquid bolus Does not repeat the deglutition of the same bolus (3) Two repetitions (2) Multiple deglutition (three or more repetitions) (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 03 Deglutition(solids) EVALUATE AS OF 12 MONTHS OF AGE Deglutition: Lips behavior Scores Lips closure Without apparent effort (4) Lips closure but with inadequate contraction for the age group Sharp contraction (3) Reduced contraction (2) Lips do not close the oral cavity Does not fulfill the function (1) Food used in the evaluation: Feeding mode: Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 Deglutition: Tongue behavior Scores Contained in the oral cavity Normal (4) Not contained in the oral cavity - interposition Interposed with teeth or gingival arches Light dysfunction (3) Remaining in contact with the upper and lower lips Moderate dysfunction (2) Excessively surpassing gingival arches/teeth Severe dysfunction (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 □ EVALUATE AS OF 12 MONTHS OF AGE Deglutition: other behaviors and change signs Scores Present Absent Movements of the head or other parts of the body (1) (2) Mandible sliding (1) (2) Facial muscle tension (1) (2) Food escape (1) (2) Choking During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2) Cough During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2) Noise (1) (2) Residue in the oral cavity (1) (2) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 16 Deglutition Efficiency Scores Solid bolus Does not repeat deglutition of the same bolus (3) Two repetitions (2) Multiple deglutition (three or more repetitions) (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 03 Mastication (solids) EVALUATE AS OF 12 MONTHS OF AGE Bite Scores Incisors Normal (4) Canines-premolars (3) Molar (2) Does not bite (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 04 Mastication Scores Jaw depression Adequate, allowing to introduce food in the oral cavity (4) Partial, with difficulty introducing food into the oral cavity (3) Insufficient to introduce food into the oral cavity (2) None (mandibular locking) (1) Jaw elevation Adequate, occludes the mouth and keeps it closed during most of the mastication cycle (3) It rises but does not keep the mouth closed during most of the mastication cycle (2) It does not rise to fulfill the mastication function (1) Mandibular movements Rhythmic and organized (3) Not rhythmic, disorganized, and/or with tremors (2) Absent (1) For the movements present, indicate how they occur most of the time: ⬜ Rotational movement of the mandible throughout most of the mastication cycle ⬜ Vertical throughout most of the mastication cycle (without rotation) ⬜ Both (lateral and vertical) continue Mastication Scores Trituration Thorough trituration of the food (4) Very slow trituration of the food (3) Very slow and partial trituration of the food (2) Does not perform the function despite the age (1) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 14 Mastication: other behaviors and change signs Scores Present Absent Movements of the head or other parts of the body (1) (2) Altered posture (head or other body parts) (1) (2) Food escape (1) (2) Result of the evaluated individual = Maximum score = 06 RESULTS Functional Blocks Age in months (m) and days (d) Total Score Items 06m-11m29d 12-24m Face 11 11 Cheeks 08 08 Lips 12 12 Tongue 16 16 Hard palate 12 12 Soft palate/uvula 04 04 Mobility 04 04 Breathing 04 04 Liquid/pasty deglutition: lips behavior 04 04 Liquid/pasty deglutition: tongue behavior 04 04 Liquid/pasty deglutition: other behaviors and change signs 16 16 Deglutition efficiency (liquid/pasty) 03 03 Solid deglutition: lips behavior --- 04 Solid deglutition: tongue behavior --- 04 Solid deglutition: other behaviors and change signs --- 16 Deglutition efficiency (solid bolus) --- 03 Bite --- 04 Mastication --- 14 Mastication: other behaviors and change signs --- 06 Total score 100 149 shows the OMES-E Infants protocol containing the table for recording the results.

DISCUSSION

This study presents the development process and final version of the OMES-E Infants protocol, which aims to be an orofacial myofunctional evaluation tool.

The profile of the evaluators who participated in the study evidences great expertise in the area, which is important to attest the validity of the contents covered by the instrument. Moreover, all regions of Brazil were represented, which is relevant for future applications of the OMES-E Infants protocol.

For application of the instrument, initial reading of the operational manual is recommended. This manual was developed from the need to inform how the protocol should be used and the understanding of its items and sub-items. This manual facilitates the protocol application in clinical practice.

The adaptations made to the OMES-E Infants protocol considered the OM development parameters expected for this age group based both on the rescue of specific concepts in the literature of the area(1111 Medeiros AMC, Medeiros M. Motricidade Orofacial Inter-relação entre Fonoaudiologia & Odontologia. São Paulo: Lovise; 2006. 125 p.

12 Telles MS, Macedo CS. Relação entre desenvolvimento motor corporal e aquisição de habilidades orais. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2008;20(2):117-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008000200008. PMid:18622520.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008...

13 Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199. PMid:11999548.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002....

14 Bossle R, Franzon R, Gomes E. Medidas antropométricas orofaciais em crianças de três a cinco anos de idade. Rev. CEFAC. 2015;17(3):899-906. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201514714
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620151...
-1515 de Carvalho FG, Medeiros IC, Rangel M L, de Castro RD. Desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático e a atuação odontológica na síndrome de down. In: Delgado IC, Alves GÂS, Lima ILB, da Rosa MRD, editors. Contribuições da Fonoaudiologia na Síndrome de Down. Ribeirão Preto: Book Toy; 2016. p. 137-52.,1919 Neto PGF, Falcao MC. Eruption chronology of the first deciduous teeth in children born prematurely with birth weight less than 1500g. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2014;32(1):17-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014000100004. PMid:24676185.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014...
,2020 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Departamento de Nutrologia. Manual de Alimentação: orientações para alimentação do lactente ao adolescente, na escola, na gestante, na prevenção de doenças e segurança alimentar. 4ª ed. São Paulo: SBP; 2018. 172 p.) and on the considerations of the authors and the expert committee, as recommended(33 Pernambuco L, Espelt A, Magalhães HV Jr, Lima KC. Recomendações para elaboração, tradução, adaptação transcultural e processo de validação de testes em Fonoaudiologia. CoDAS. 2017;29(3):e20160217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20172016217. PMid:28614460.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/2017...
).

Data from the guardians' reports on the history of feeding and orofacial parafunctional habits of the nursing infants, as in other studies at early ages(99 Pados BF, Thoyre SM, Park J. Age-based norm-reference values for the child oral and motor proficiency scale. Acta Paediatr. 2018;107(8):1427-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.14299. PMid:29486068.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.14299...
,1010 Thoyre SM, Pados BF, Park J, Estrem H, McComish C, Hodges EA. The pediatric eating assessment tool. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(2):299-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000001765. PMid:28953526.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000...
), were included to favor interpretation of the clinical evaluation results. Feeding mode - Breastfeeding refers to how liquid is offered to the child at every two months of life, based on the parameters of breastfeeding(2020 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Departamento de Nutrologia. Manual de Alimentação: orientações para alimentação do lactente ao adolescente, na escola, na gestante, na prevenção de doenças e segurança alimentar. 4ª ed. São Paulo: SBP; 2018. 172 p.).

The indication of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework scale(2121 Cichero JAY, Lam P, Steele CM, Hanson B, Chen J, Dantas RO, et al. Development of international terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened fluids used in dysphagia management: the IDDSI Framework. Dysphagia. 2017;32(2):293-314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9758-y. PMid:27913916.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-975...
) was the option found to define the diet texture addressed in the OMES-E Infants protocol and the consequent standardisation of results, in the absence of specific material. The IDDSI researchers aimed to provide standardized terminologies and definitions regarding foods and liquids applicable to cases of dysphagia.

Feeding mode - Food in general considers the utensil used and whether the infant’s feeding in assisted or independent, which is related to motor development(1212 Telles MS, Macedo CS. Relação entre desenvolvimento motor corporal e aquisição de habilidades orais. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2008;20(2):117-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008000200008. PMid:18622520.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008...
), as recommended in studies involving maternal reports(1313 Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199. PMid:11999548.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002....
) on the infant's ability to drink from a cup (with and without a lid) and on the child's autonomy to use utensils.

As for the difficulties and/or adaptations during feeding, the record of the beginning and duration of the event was considered, including the importance of early detection of symptoms of eating problems(1010 Thoyre SM, Pados BF, Park J, Estrem H, McComish C, Hodges EA. The pediatric eating assessment tool. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(2):299-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000001765. PMid:28953526.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000...
). The frequency and duration of orofacial parafunctional habits must be determined, because it is widely accepted that these variables have an influence on the orofacial muscles and occlusion(1111 Medeiros AMC, Medeiros M. Motricidade Orofacial Inter-relação entre Fonoaudiologia & Odontologia. São Paulo: Lovise; 2006. 125 p.).

In general, it is expected that, in the first six months of life, the infant will present oral behaviors related mainly to readiness for feeding, which enables coordinated deglutition of the liquid bolus. From that age, exploratory movements of the tongue are observed in terms of shape and textures, together with movements of the upper lip to remove food from a spoon. Then the possibility of offering pasty consistencies is observed(1313 Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199. PMid:11999548.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002....
).

At approximately nine months of age, the infant can eat foods containing small soft pieces without choking and, with eruption of the teeth, can chew most of the foods brought to the mouth, increasing the ability and efficiency with harder consistencies with advancing age(1313 Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199. PMid:11999548.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002....
).

Exclusion of the items that depended on isolated execution according to the examiner's order was based on the impossibility of obtaining accurate data, since before the second year of age, the ability of motor execution from the child's understanding of verbal language, or by imitation, would not be guaranteed(2222 Zorzi JL. Aspectos básicos para compreensão, diagnóstico e prevenção dos distúrbios de linguagem na infância. Rev CEFAC. 2000;2(1):11-5.). Also, items such as direct anthropometric orofacial measurements(1414 Bossle R, Franzon R, Gomes E. Medidas antropométricas orofaciais em crianças de três a cinco anos de idade. Rev. CEFAC. 2015;17(3):899-906. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201514714
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620151...
) and classification of malocclusions were excluded because the first deciduous molars erupt at 6 years old on average(1919 Neto PGF, Falcao MC. Eruption chronology of the first deciduous teeth in children born prematurely with birth weight less than 1500g. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2014;32(1):17-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014000100004. PMid:24676185.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014...
).

On the other hand, registration of dental elements was considered important(1111 Medeiros AMC, Medeiros M. Motricidade Orofacial Inter-relação entre Fonoaudiologia & Odontologia. São Paulo: Lovise; 2006. 125 p.), because the occlusion of the 20 deciduous teeth is established until the age of three on average(1313 Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199. PMid:11999548.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002....
), and there is a close relationship between the development of dentition and muscle activity. To this end, a double-digit registry was used for the deciduous teeth, according to the internationally adopted nomenclature(1919 Neto PGF, Falcao MC. Eruption chronology of the first deciduous teeth in children born prematurely with birth weight less than 1500g. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2014;32(1):17-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014000100004. PMid:24676185.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014...
).

Items related to the position/appearance of the tongue were added to the protocol because the infant may present certain postures and characteristics, such as cracks in the tongue or even apparent macroglossia(1515 de Carvalho FG, Medeiros IC, Rangel M L, de Castro RD. Desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático e a atuação odontológica na síndrome de down. In: Delgado IC, Alves GÂS, Lima ILB, da Rosa MRD, editors. Contribuições da Fonoaudiologia na Síndrome de Down. Ribeirão Preto: Book Toy; 2016. p. 137-52.), which may be relevant for the diagnosis of bone mineral density (BMD).

Since the characteristics of the uvula and conditions such as palatal abnormalities are often assessed in studies addressing the risks for sleep disorders(2323 Kim JH, Guilleminault C. The nasomaxillary complex, the mandible, and sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep Breath. 2011;15(2):185-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11325-011-0504-2. PMid:21394611.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11325-011-050...
,2424 Primhak R, Kingshott R. Sleep physiology and sleep-disordered breathing: the essentials. Arch Dis Child. 2012;97(1):54-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2010.186676. PMid:21357242.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2010.18667...
), they were included in the protocol. Thus, the elongated soft palate was classified as different from the normal pattern because of the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which can occur since the neonatal period, although the prevalence increases as of 2 years of age(2525 Valera FCP, Demarco RC, Anselmo-Lima WT. Síndrome da Apnéia e da Hipopnéia Obstrutivas do Sono (SAHOS) em crianças. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol. 2004;70(2):232-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-72992004000200014.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-72992004...
). The reason that the elongated soft palate may be a risk factor for OSA in the first year of life is that contact with the epiglottis, which has an elevated (more cranial) position at this stage, facilitates pharyngeal obstruction(2626 Marcus CL. Sleep-disordered breathing in children. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001;164(1):16-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.164.1.2008171. PMid:11435234.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.164.1.2...
). In contrast, velopalatal insufficiency often results in hypernasal speech and dysphagia(2727 Tan HL, Kheirandish-Gozal L, Abel F, Gozal D. Craniofacial syndromes and sleep-related breathing disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2016;27:74-88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2015.05.010. PMid:26454241.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2015.05...
), which is difficult to treat especially when accompanied by a short palate(2828 Hassani M-E, Latifi N-A, Karimi H, Khakzad M. Unilateral buccinator flap for lengthening of short palate. J Craniofac Surg. 2018;29(6):1619-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000004612. PMid:29771845.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000...
). It should be clarified that, although the scores define the change severity, they are not exclusive to a single problem. Therefore, some scores are repeated and the possible changes are listed to facilitate marking for the evaluator.

The OMES-E Infants protocol is not exhaustive. Therefore, some aspects such as changes in the tongue frenulum, hard and soft palate, and detection of signs of dysphagia were included, so that at the end of the evaluation it is possible to have an overview of the case. The infant may not have been assessed previously, and relevant problems may be present. Therefore, it is suggested that, when detecting any of these problems, the professional should use specific protocols or refer the patient to specialized teams.

The OMES-E Infants protocol aims at enabling the evaluation and identification of changes in stomatognathic components and functions. In addition, the use of a numerical scale in the orofacial myofunctional clinical evaluation can contribute to drawing a profile of the individual, allowing comparisons between them and the monitoring of the results obtained with the treatment(88 Felício CM, Folha GA, Ferreira CLP, Medeiros APM. Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores: validity and reliability. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;74(11):1230-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.021. PMid:20800294.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010....
).

The use of numerical scales does not solve all difficulties and entails problems. Subjectivity is inherent in clinical evaluation regardless of the use of numerical scales, because it depends on the professional's ability to observe, perceive and judge, which are skills that result from their education and training. However, considering that an instrument that specifies what should be evaluated and standardizes the documentation, at least improves communication and consistency between clinicians(2929 Kempster GB, Gerratt BR, Verdolini Abbott K, Barkmeier-Kraemer J, Hillman RE. Consensus auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice: development of a standardized clinical protocol. Am J Speech-Language Pathol. 2009;18(2):124-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2008/08-0017).
http://dx.doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2008...
).

It should be contextualized that the need to adapt the OMES-E Infants protocol became evident from the birth of individuals affected by microcephaly resulting from the Zika virus outbreak that occurred in the northeast region of Brazil(3030 Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância da Saúde. Protocolo de vigilância e resposta à microcefalia relacionada à infecção pelo vírus Zika. Brasília, DF: Ministério da Saúde; 2015. 70 p.). Despite the need to register the orofacial characteristics of affected infants, there were no specific instruments validated in the OM area aimed at this age group.

The OMES-E Infants protocol presented here fills a gap in the OM area, as it may be a useful tool for detecting deviations and disorders in the population up to 24 months of age. This may contribute to adopt strategies that favor the growth and development of the stomatognathic system and health promotion.

Further studies are needed to establish the construct and criterion validity of the OMES-E Infants protocol, as well as its accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values and the cutoff points between normality and orofacial myofunctional disorder.

CONCLUSION

The OMES-E Infants protocol (6-24 months old) was developed and its content and appearance were validated with a high level of agreement among experts. Future studies should verify the instrument's ability to discriminate between infants with and without BMD, as well as its psychometric properties, contributing to both clinical practice and research in the field of OM.

Appendix 1 Operational Manual –OMES-E Infants

EXPANDED PROTOCOL OF OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL EVALUATION WITH SCORES FOR NURSING INFANTS (6-24 months)

Andréa Monteiro Correia Medeiros, Gabriela Rodrigues Dourado, Gislaine Aparecida Folha,

Anna Luiza dos Santos Matos, Sarah Catarina Santos do Nascimento, Cláudia Maria de Felício

This operational manual is included in the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores for Nursing Infants (6-24 months old): OMES-E Infants and presents information and instructions for its application.

The OMES-E Infants protocol was developed from the Expanded Protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES-E) (Felício et al., 2010)(88 Felício CM, Folha GA, Ferreira CLP, Medeiros APM. Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores: validity and reliability. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;74(11):1230-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.021. PMid:20800294.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010....
) to allow the assessment of OM of the population aged 6 to 24 months.

The clinical evaluation, as proposed in the OMES-E Infants, is subjective and depends on the professional's ability to observe, perceive, and judge, which are skills that result from their education and training. The fact that it allows expression of the results in scores (numerical scales) does not make it objective, but it allows systematization and monitoring of the data of each patient according to their clinical evolution.

The OMES-E Infants protocol is not exhaustive. Therefore, the professional will be able to complement the investigation with other assessments and protocols when there is need for a more comprehensive analysis on some aspect found altered or with suspicion of change.

The OMES-E Infant is divided as follows:

The initial pages of the protocol include identification information, clinical data, and the history of feeding and orofacial parafunctional habits. The information to be filled out should be obtained through an interview with the legal guardian of the infant. In this initial part, scores are not assigned, but the information will be essential for interpretation of the assessment data and diagnosis of the orofacial myofunctional condition.

FOOD HISTORY AND OROFACIAL PARAFUNCTIONAL HABITS:

In the tables related to the feeding history, the speech-language therapist must mark the periods (in months) of occurrence, for each offering mode (method). The “never” option should be checked if the offering mode has not been used at any time in life to feed the infant.

1. Feeding mode: Breastfeeding

It refers to the breastfeeding situation, which may involve both exclusive breast milk (offered on the breast, bottle, cup, or tube), and the use of artificial milk (milk formulas prescribed by a physician); or even both forms (mixed breastfeeding).

The description of a mixed diet and/or use of a tube and the complementary information, which may reveal difficulties encountered during feeding, should be written in the area indicated below the table.

2. Feeding mode: Food in general

It refers to the situation of feeding that includes the use of various utensils. The feeding skills that involve the motor control of nursing infants can provide important information about their orofacial myofunctional development.

3. Texture of the diet

To specify and standardize the texture (consistency) of foods, the classification of the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) was adopted (Cichero et al. 2017)(2121 Cichero JAY, Lam P, Steele CM, Hanson B, Chen J, Dantas RO, et al. Development of international terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened fluids used in dysphagia management: the IDDSI Framework. Dysphagia. 2017;32(2):293-314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9758-y. PMid:27913916.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-975...
), whose latest version was published as Complete IDDSI Framework - Detailed definitions - 2.0 | 2019 (available at https://iddsi.org/framework/).

The proposal of the IDDSI researchers provides standardized terminologies and definitions regarding foods and liquids applicable to cases of dysphagia. Despite this, in the absence of such a clear classification, the OMES-E Infants was adopted because of the constant difficulty experienced by professionals, including speech-language therapists, with the nomenclature related to the diet.

The two tables indicate the months in which the infant received the food, according to the feeding mode and texture of the diet, and we could mark whether the feeding was done in an assisted or independent way, choosing the letters “A” or “I”, respectively.

4. Difficulties during and/or adaptations in feeding:

In this item, the period (beginning, duration) in months in which each difficulty and/or adaptation occurred can be recorded, including the investigation of food refusal and hospitalization.

The professional needs to describe the difficulty/adaptation found/performed to guide the clinical reasoning of the etiology of any changes that may be observed in the clinical examination to be performed.

5. Parafunctional orofacial habits:

In this item, the time of occurrence (in months) of each oral habit (pacifier, finger sucking, and others) can be registered. In case of other types of habits, describe it in field provided.

It is also recommended to note the daily frequency of the habit in hours, as this survey can give indications of the impact of this habit on the orofacial structures, depending on its frequency, intensity, and duration.

CLINICAL EXAMINATION

The individual clinical evaluation of OM should be performed with the individual standing vertically, keeping the spine supported (infant car seat, chair, or guardian's lap), facing the evaluator. The protocol was adapted considering that the foods offered must be registered, with attention to the possibilities inherent in the age and the nursing infant's usual dietary pattern.

Appearance and postural condition/position:

Visual observation of orofacial structures and components is recommended to evaluate this item. Some support can be used by the speech-language therapist if they consider that this facilitates the analysis. For example, when evaluating face symmetry, dental floss can be used, holding it in the midline of the face to compare the right and left sides.

Although Morphology/Volume, Function at rest, Tension, and Mobility are recorded separately in the items Cheeks, Lips and Tongue, the speech-language therapist should relate them to the behaviors in the orofacial functions at the end of the evaluation.

Regarding dentition, the speech-language therapist should only mark the teeth that have erupted completely. Subsequently, consulting the literature on the chronology of deciduous dental eruption will help define whether the development of dentition follows normal patterns or not, and specific referral to a dental professional is required.

As for the palate, it should be considered as altered when there are changes involving both the hard and soft/uvula palate. Oral malformations associated with palate/uvula problems are considered to aggravate the condition and should receive lower scores.

Mobility:

Facial mobility should be assessed based on the observation of spontaneous movements of the nursing infant during the interaction with the speech-language therapist and/or guardian. It should be observed from the first moment, in the situation of the initial interview with the guardian.

FUNCTIONS

Breathing: To classify the breathing mode, speech-language therapists may consider if the nursing infant remains with the lips occluded whenever at rest, which indicates exclusively nasal breathing (normal). They can base their classification on the frequency at which mixed breathing is used, and classify it as light (few times) or moderate (most times) oronasal breathing. If breathing is performed only through the oral cavity, a classification of severe dysfunction should be assigned. A millimeter mirror can be used as an auxiliary method to verify whether there is expiration through the nostrils and whether flow out of both nostrils is symmetrical or not.

Deglutition: Observation of this function should consider the pattern according to the infant's age range and the feeding mode and food consistency.

The following utensils are considered in the feeding modes: spoon and cup. If another utensil is used, such as a fork, it should be described in the area for “Other”.

Breastfeeding and bottle feeding were not considered in the clinical evaluation of this protocol. When liquid is offered via breast or bottle, it is recommended that the evaluation be carried out using a specific feeding assessment instrument.

A common cup with a lid and/or a valve can be used to evaluate liquid feeding.

Although the terms liquid, pasty and solid have been maintained in this protocol because they are common in the area, the food texture thought for each of these terms considered the classification of the IDDSI (Cichero et al. 2017)(2121 Cichero JAY, Lam P, Steele CM, Hanson B, Chen J, Dantas RO, et al. Development of international terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened fluids used in dysphagia management: the IDDSI Framework. Dysphagia. 2017;32(2):293-314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9758-y. PMid:27913916.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-975...
). As a result, Table 3 of the protocol shows the texture levels so that the speech-language therapist can consult the document, which has easy and free access.

Evaluation of deglutition of liquid and pasty food is conducted in nursing infants aged >6 months, whereas deglutition of solids is conducted from 12 months of age, following the same age range for observation of the mastication function.

We should consider the postural behaviors of the tongue and lips, and others, during the performance of the function. In the event of any occurrence feeding with liquid consistency, we should consider whether it is expected (physiological standard) for the corresponding age group. When the observed behavior is expected for the age group, the assigned score must be normal.

Mastication: For analysis of this function, solid food should be offered, which is considered everyday food of the same consistency as that of the family, and all types of utensils should be used during feeding. Therefore, the nursing infant will be subjected to mastication assessment according to their chronological age and individual development.

All aspects evaluated contain spaces for recording partial scores, even during the examination situation. At the end of the protocol, the partial and total scores should also be recorded in the “Results” table, thus obtaining the total score of the infant.

The values shown in the results table are the maximum possible scores to be registered in the protocol for each item evaluated, according to the age group. However, at the moment, it cannot be stated that children with normal orofacial myofunctional conditions would always reach all maximum scores.

There is intention to establish cutoff points from the use of the OMES-E Infants protocol in the future. It is worth mentioning, however, that the scores obtained in the orofacial myofunctional evaluation are a record/photograph of the infant's current moment, presenting an important value in the longitudinal and individual monitoring of the infant's OM profile.

Appendix 2 OMES-E Infants

EXPANDED PROTOCOL OF OROFACIAL MYOFUNCTIONAL EVALUATION WITH SCORES FOR NURSING INFANTS

Andréa Monteiro Correia Medeiros, Gabriela Rodrigues Dourado, Gislaine Aparecida Folha,

Anna Luiza dos Santos Matos, Sarah Catarina Santos do Nascimento, Cláudia Maria de Felício

IDENTIFICATION AND CLINICAL DATA

Date of application ___/____/____ Identification number: ____________________________

Child's name: _________________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Legal guardian: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Degree of relationship of the guardian: _________________________________________________________________

Telephone: (___) _______________

Medical diagnosis: __________________________________________ Referral: ____________________

Birthday____/_____/_____ Current age:_____ years and _____ months Corrected age:_ ____ years and _____ months

Gestational age: _________weeks APGAR: 1st min: ________ 5th min: ________

Weight at birth: _________Kg Current weight: _________Kg Current height: _______ cm

FOOD HISTORY AND OROFACIAL PARAOFUNCTIONAL HABITS

1. Feeding mode: Breastfeeding

Indicate the months in which the infant was breastfed (liquid*) according to the feeding mode.

For those not used, check the “Never” column in the corresponding line.

Mode Never Age in months
1-2 3-4 5-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24
Breastfeeding
Bottle feeding
Cup
Mixed
Tube

* Zero levels of liquid thickness according to the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework.

Available at https://iddsi.org/framework/.

If you checked Mixed, describe it: ______________________________________________________________________

If you checked Tube (nasogastric tube), describe it: ___________________________________________________

Additional information (e.g., nipple type, nipple orifice size, difficulties, and others):____________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Feeding mode: Food in general

Indicate the months in which the infant received food according to the feeding mode. In each of the periods, you should mark “A” if assisted or “I” if independent.

Mode Never Age in months
4-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24
Cup with valve/lid A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Common cup A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Spoon A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Hands to hold the food and bring it to the mouth to bite A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Fork A I A I A I A I A I A I A I

3. Diet texture

Indicate the months in which the infant received food according to texture. In each of the

Periods, you should mark “A” if assisted or “I” if independent.

Textures* 1-3 4-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24
Thin liquid0 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Moderately thick liquid 3 (first baby’s food) A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Pasty (Pureed)4 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Chopped (or ground) and moist A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Requiring minimal chewing
Soft food6 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Requiring mastication
Solid (Regular)7 A I A I A I A I A I A I A I A I
Requiring mastication

*Source: International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) framework. Adopted to define food textures. Available at https://iddsi.org/framework/.

0 Liquid thickness level 0 (zero); 3 Liquid thickness level 3; 4 Liquid thickness level 4 or Food texture level 4; 5 Food texture level 5; 6 Food texture level 6; 7 Food texture level 7.

4. Difficulties and/or adaptations during feeding

Record the period in months of each difficulty and/or adaptation.

Difficulty/adaptation No Yes Start (age in months) Duration (age in months) Which?
Bottle nipple adaptation
Adaptation to utensil (spoon)
Use of alternative feeding route
Diagnosis of food restriction
Food refusal
Hospitalization

5. Orofacial parafunctional habits

Check all periods (months) that the infant performed each habit. If the infant has not had one or more habits, check the “Never” column in the corresponding line.

Never Age in months
1-2 3-4 5-6 7-9 10-12 13-15 16-18 19-21 22-24
Pacifier
Finger sucking
Others

If you checked others, describe it: ___________________________________________________________

Inform the daily frequency of the habits (e.g., number of hours) _____________________________

CLINICAL EXAMINATION

APPEARANCE AND POSTURAL CONDITION/POSITION

Face Scores
Symmetry between right and left sides Normal (4)
Asymmetry Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Decreased side (mark the side) Right Left
Maxilla/Mandible
Morphology Normal (3)
Altered Micrognathia (2)
Maxilla and mandible hypoplasia (1)
Decreased side (mark the side) Right Left
Relationship with the midline Normal (4)
Altered (lateral deviation) Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Side with deviation Right Left
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 11
Cheeks Scores
Volume Normal (4)
Altered volume Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Increased Decreased Right Left Both
Tension Normal (4)
Increased Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Flaccid/drooping Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 08

Teeth

Mark the dental elements present.

Lips Scores
Morphology Normal (4)
Altered morphology Dry/Cracks (3)
Operated (cheiloplasty) (2)
Uncorrected cleft lip (1)
Volume Normal (4)
Altered Volume Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Increased Decreased
Lips function at rest Occluded: normally fulfill the function (4)
Lips closure Light dysfunction (half-open) (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 12
Tongue Scores
Position/Appearance Normal (the infant remains with the mouth closed and there is no exposure of the tongue) (4)
Altered Light dysfunction (the infant remains the mouth open with the tongue on the floor of the mouth) (3)
Moderate dysfunction (the infant remains with the mouth open with the tongue interposed to lips) (2)
Severe dysfunction (the infant remains with the open with the tongue exceeding the lips) (1)
Morphology Normal (size and shape) (4)
Altered morphology Light dysfunction (3)
() Microglossia () Macroglossia Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (with impaired breathing) (1)
Volume
Volume compatible with the oral cavity Normal (4)
Increased and/or widened volume Light dysfunction (3)
(check the relationship with the oral cavity space) Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Tongue Frenulum* Normal (extension, fixation, and thickness) (4)
Altered in: Light dysfunction (3)
() Thickness Moderate dysfunction (2)
() Fixation Severe dysfunction (1)
() Extension
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 16
*Note: In the event of frenulum change, application of a specific protocol is recommended.
Hard palate Scores
Morphology Normal (4)
Altered Operated (Palatoplasty) (3)
Moderate changes (other) (2)
Uncorrected cleft palate (1)
Width Normal (4)
Decreased width (narrow) Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Height Normal dysfunction (4)
Increased height (deep) Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Severe dysfunction (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 12
Soft Palate/Uvula Scores
Morphology Normal (4)
Altered palatine veil Long (3)
Short (3)
Short associated with another oral malformation (2)
Bifid uvula associated with another oral malformation (2)
Absent uvula associated with another oral malformation (1)
Uncorrected cleft palate (1)
Other changes (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04

Observations: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

MOBILITY

Facial mobility Scores
Appropriate facial expression Normal (4)
Reduced or altered facial expression Little facial expression (3)
Asymmetry when performing facial expressions (2)
Absent - no facial expression (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04

FUNCTIONS

Breathing Scores
Mode
Nasal breathing Normal (4)
Oronasal breathing Light dysfunction (3)
Moderate dysfunction (2)
Mouth breathing Severe dysfunction (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04

If the millimeter mirror was used to analyze the expiratory flow, write the result: _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Deglutition (liquid/pasty)

Utensil used during feeding: () Spoon (); Cup: ⬜ common ⬜ with lid ⬜ with valve.

Other: __________________________________________________________________________

□ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE

Deglutition: Lips behavior Scores
Lips closure Without apparent effort (4)
Partial closure (when expected for the age group)
Lips closure but with inadequate contraction for the age group Sharp contraction (3)
Reduced contraction (2)
Lips do not close the oral cavity Does not fulfill the function (1)
Food used in the evaluation:
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04

□ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE

Deglutition: Tongue behavior Scores
Contained in the oral cavity Normal (4)
Slightly interposed (when expected for age group)
Not contained in the oral cavity - interposition
Interposed with teeth or gingival arches (atypically) Light dysfunction (3)
Remaining in contact with the upper and lower lips Moderate dysfunction (2)
Excessively surpassing gingival arches/teeth Severe dysfunction (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04

□ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE

Deglutition: other behaviors and change signs Scores
Present Absent Present (when expected for the age group)
Movements of the head or other parts of the body (1) (2) (2)
Mandible sliding (1) (2) (2)
Facial muscle tension (1) (2) (2)
Food Escape (1) (2) (2)
Choking During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2)
Cough During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2)
Noise (1) (2) (2)
Residue in the oral cavity (1) (2) (2)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 16

□ EVALUATE AS OF 6 MONTHS OF AGE

Deglutition Efficiency Scores
Liquid bolus
Does not repeat the deglutition of the same bolus (3)
Two repetitions (2)
Multiple deglutition (three or more repetitions) (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 03

Deglutition(solids) EVALUATE AS OF 12 MONTHS OF AGE

Deglutition: Lips behavior Scores
Lips closure Without apparent effort (4)
Lips closure but with inadequate contraction for the age group Sharp contraction (3)
Reduced contraction (2)
Lips do not close the oral cavity Does not fulfill the function (1)
Food used in the evaluation:
Feeding mode:
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04
Deglutition: Tongue behavior Scores
Contained in the oral cavity Normal (4)
Not contained in the oral cavity - interposition
Interposed with teeth or gingival arches Light dysfunction (3)
Remaining in contact with the upper and lower lips Moderate dysfunction (2)
Excessively surpassing gingival arches/teeth Severe dysfunction (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04

□ EVALUATE AS OF 12 MONTHS OF AGE

Deglutition: other behaviors and change signs Scores
Present Absent
Movements of the head or other parts of the body (1) (2)
Mandible sliding (1) (2)
Facial muscle tension (1) (2)
Food escape (1) (2)
Choking During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2)
Cough During deglutition After deglutition (1) (2)
Noise (1) (2)
Residue in the oral cavity (1) (2)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 16
Deglutition Efficiency Scores
Solid bolus
Does not repeat deglutition of the same bolus (3)
Two repetitions (2)
Multiple deglutition (three or more repetitions) (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 03

Mastication (solids) EVALUATE AS OF 12 MONTHS OF AGE

Bite Scores
Incisors Normal (4)
Canines-premolars (3)
Molar (2)
Does not bite (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 04
Mastication Scores
Jaw depression Adequate, allowing to introduce food in the oral cavity (4)
Partial, with difficulty introducing food into the oral cavity (3)
Insufficient to introduce food into the oral cavity (2)
None (mandibular locking) (1)
Jaw elevation Adequate, occludes the mouth and keeps it closed during most of the mastication cycle (3)
It rises but does not keep the mouth closed during most of the mastication cycle (2)
It does not rise to fulfill the mastication function (1)
Mandibular movements Rhythmic and organized (3)
Not rhythmic, disorganized, and/or with tremors (2)
Absent (1)
For the movements present, indicate how they occur most of the time:
⬜ Rotational movement of the mandible throughout most of the mastication cycle
⬜ Vertical throughout most of the mastication cycle (without rotation)
⬜ Both (lateral and vertical)

continue

Mastication Scores
Trituration Thorough trituration of the food (4)
Very slow trituration of the food (3)
Very slow and partial trituration of the food (2)
Does not perform the function despite the age (1)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 14
Mastication: other behaviors and change signs Scores
Present Absent
Movements of the head or other parts of the body (1) (2)
Altered posture (head or other body parts) (1) (2)
Food escape (1) (2)
Result of the evaluated individual =
Maximum score = 06

RESULTS

Functional Blocks Age in months (m) and days (d) Total Score
Items 06m-11m29d 12-24m
Face 11 11
Cheeks 08 08
Lips 12 12
Tongue 16 16
Hard palate 12 12
Soft palate/uvula 04 04
Mobility 04 04
Breathing 04 04
Liquid/pasty deglutition: lips behavior 04 04
Liquid/pasty deglutition: tongue behavior 04 04
Liquid/pasty deglutition: other behaviors and change signs 16 16
Deglutition efficiency (liquid/pasty) 03 03
Solid deglutition: lips behavior --- 04
Solid deglutition: tongue behavior --- 04
Solid deglutition: other behaviors and change signs --- 16
Deglutition efficiency (solid bolus) --- 03
Bite --- 04
Mastication --- 14
Mastication: other behaviors and change signs --- 06
Total score 100 149
  • Study conducted at Universidade Federal de Sergipe – UFS – São Cristóvão (SE), Brasil.
  • Financial support: nothing to declare.
  • ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
  • The authors would like to thank the ten SLP experts who composed the “Expert Committee” in the protocol validation phase for their professionalism and dedication.
  • The authors are grateful to Fundação de Apoio à Pesquisa e Inovação Tecnológica do Estado de Sergipe (FAPITEC/SE): 01 undergraduate research scholarship - PIBIC (Edital FAPITEC/SE/FUNTEC/CAPES no. 07/2016); Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES): 01 Ph.D. scholarship (Finance Code 001); National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) - Brazil (process no. 113984/2018-9 - PDS scholarship).

REFERÊNCIAS

  • 1
    Andrade CRF. Plano terapêutico fonoaudiológico (PTF): metas, planejamento e bases para aplicação. In: Pró-Fono. Planos Terapêuticos Fonoaudiológicos (PTF). Pró-Fono: Barueri; 2015. p. 1-5.
  • 2
    Medeiros AMC, Nascimento HS, Santos MKO, Barreto IDC, Jesus EMS. Análise do conteúdo e aparência do protocolo de acompanhamento fonoaudiológico - aleitamento materno. Audiol Commun Res. 2018;23(0):e1921. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-6431-2017-1921
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-6431-2017-1921
  • 3
    Pernambuco L, Espelt A, Magalhães HV Jr, Lima KC. Recomendações para elaboração, tradução, adaptação transcultural e processo de validação de testes em Fonoaudiologia. CoDAS. 2017;29(3):e20160217. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20172016217 PMid:28614460.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20172016217
  • 4
    Palmer MM, Crawley K, Blanco IA. Neonatal oral-motor assessment scale: A reliability study. J Perinatol. 1993;13(1):28-35. PMid:8445444.
  • 5
    Mosele PG, Santos JF, Godói VC, Costa FM, Toni PMD, Fujinaga CI. Instrumento de avaliação da sucção do recém-nascido com vistas a alimentação ao seio materno. Rev CEFAC. 2014;16(5):1548-57. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201426412
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201426412
  • 6
    Martinelli RLC, Marchesan IQ, Lauris JR, Honório HM, Gusmão RJ, Berretin-Felix G. Validade e confiabilidade da triagem: “teste da linguinha. Rev CEFAC. 2016;18(6):1323-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620161868716
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-021620161868716
  • 7
    Felício CM, Ferreira CLP. Protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2008;72(3):367-75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2007.11.012 PMid:18187209.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2007.11.012
  • 8
    Felício CM, Folha GA, Ferreira CLP, Medeiros APM. Expanded protocol of orofacial myofunctional evaluation with scores: validity and reliability. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;74(11):1230-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.021 PMid:20800294.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.07.021
  • 9
    Pados BF, Thoyre SM, Park J. Age-based norm-reference values for the child oral and motor proficiency scale. Acta Paediatr. 2018;107(8):1427-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.14299 PMid:29486068.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.14299
  • 10
    Thoyre SM, Pados BF, Park J, Estrem H, McComish C, Hodges EA. The pediatric eating assessment tool. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018;66(2):299-305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000001765 PMid:28953526.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000001765
  • 11
    Medeiros AMC, Medeiros M. Motricidade Orofacial Inter-relação entre Fonoaudiologia & Odontologia. São Paulo: Lovise; 2006. 125 p.
  • 12
    Telles MS, Macedo CS. Relação entre desenvolvimento motor corporal e aquisição de habilidades orais. Pró-Fono Rev Atualização Científica. 2008;20(2):117-22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008000200008 PMid:18622520.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0104-56872008000200008
  • 13
    Carruth BR, Skinner JD. Feeding behaviors and other motor development in healthy children (2–24 months). J Am Coll Nutr. 2002;21(2):88-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199 PMid:11999548.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2002.10719199
  • 14
    Bossle R, Franzon R, Gomes E. Medidas antropométricas orofaciais em crianças de três a cinco anos de idade. Rev. CEFAC. 2015;17(3):899-906. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201514714
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216201514714
  • 15
    de Carvalho FG, Medeiros IC, Rangel M L, de Castro RD. Desenvolvimento do sistema estomatognático e a atuação odontológica na síndrome de down. In: Delgado IC, Alves GÂS, Lima ILB, da Rosa MRD, editors. Contribuições da Fonoaudiologia na Síndrome de Down. Ribeirão Preto: Book Toy; 2016. p. 137-52.
  • 16
    Stevens SS. Psychophysics: introduction to its perceptual, neural, and social prospects. New York: A Wiley-Interscience Publication; 1975. 329 p.
  • 17
    Marques JBV, de Freitas D. Método DELPHI: caracterização e potencialidades na pesquisa em Educação. Pro-Posições. 2018;29(2):389-415. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1980-6248-2015-0140.
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-6248-2015-0140
  • 18
    Polit DF, Beck CT. The content validity index: are you sure you know what’s being reported? critique and recommendations. Res Nurs Health. 2006;29(5):489-97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147 PMid:16977646.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/nur.20147
  • 19
    Neto PGF, Falcao MC. Eruption chronology of the first deciduous teeth in children born prematurely with birth weight less than 1500g. Rev Paul Pediatr. 2014;32(1):17-23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014000100004 PMid:24676185.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-05822014000100004
  • 20
    Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Departamento de Nutrologia. Manual de Alimentação: orientações para alimentação do lactente ao adolescente, na escola, na gestante, na prevenção de doenças e segurança alimentar. 4ª ed. São Paulo: SBP; 2018. 172 p.
  • 21
    Cichero JAY, Lam P, Steele CM, Hanson B, Chen J, Dantas RO, et al. Development of international terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened fluids used in dysphagia management: the IDDSI Framework. Dysphagia. 2017;32(2):293-314. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9758-y PMid:27913916.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00455-016-9758-y
  • 22
    Zorzi JL. Aspectos básicos para compreensão, diagnóstico e prevenção dos distúrbios de linguagem na infância. Rev CEFAC. 2000;2(1):11-5.
  • 23
    Kim JH, Guilleminault C. The nasomaxillary complex, the mandible, and sleep-disordered breathing. Sleep Breath. 2011;15(2):185-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11325-011-0504-2 PMid:21394611.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11325-011-0504-2
  • 24
    Primhak R, Kingshott R. Sleep physiology and sleep-disordered breathing: the essentials. Arch Dis Child. 2012;97(1):54-8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2010.186676 PMid:21357242.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2010.186676
  • 25
    Valera FCP, Demarco RC, Anselmo-Lima WT. Síndrome da Apnéia e da Hipopnéia Obstrutivas do Sono (SAHOS) em crianças. Rev Bras Otorrinolaringol. 2004;70(2):232-7. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-72992004000200014
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-72992004000200014
  • 26
    Marcus CL. Sleep-disordered breathing in children. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2001;164(1):16-30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.164.1.2008171 PMid:11435234.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1164/ajrccm.164.1.2008171
  • 27
    Tan HL, Kheirandish-Gozal L, Abel F, Gozal D. Craniofacial syndromes and sleep-related breathing disorders. Sleep Med Rev. 2016;27:74-88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2015.05.010 PMid:26454241.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2015.05.010
  • 28
    Hassani M-E, Latifi N-A, Karimi H, Khakzad M. Unilateral buccinator flap for lengthening of short palate. J Craniofac Surg. 2018;29(6):1619-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000004612 PMid:29771845.
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/SCS.0000000000004612
  • 29
    Kempster GB, Gerratt BR, Verdolini Abbott K, Barkmeier-Kraemer J, Hillman RE. Consensus auditory-perceptual evaluation of voice: development of a standardized clinical protocol. Am J Speech-Language Pathol. 2009;18(2):124-32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2008/08-0017)
    » http://dx.doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2008/08-0017)
  • 30
    Brasil. Ministério da Saúde. Secretaria de Vigilância da Saúde. Protocolo de vigilância e resposta à microcefalia relacionada à infecção pelo vírus Zika. Brasília, DF: Ministério da Saúde; 2015. 70 p.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    14 May 2021
  • Date of issue
    2021

History

  • Received
    13 Sept 2019
  • Accepted
    06 May 2020
Sociedade Brasileira de Fonoaudiologia Al. Jaú, 684, 7º andar, 01420-002 São Paulo - SP Brasil, Tel./Fax 55 11 - 3873-4211 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: revista@codas.org.br