Comparative Study Between Children with and without Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate, Part 2: Electromyographic Analysis

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Abstract
Objective: This study was conducted to compare electromyographic (EMG) activity of superior orbicularis oris muscle between children with repaired cleft lip and cleft palate and children without clefts. Methods: This study included 28 children with mixed dentition. They were divided into two groups. The study group included 14 children with repaired unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate, ranging in age from 6 to 12 years, who presented clinically with a short upper lip, abnormal lip seal, and inhibition of sagittal development of the midface as assessed radiographically. The control group included 14 children without clefts ranging in age from 8 to 11 years. All had normal lip seal, nasal breathing, and a clinically normal body posture. Design: Bipolar surface electrodes were used for EMG recordings of resting level activity and during swallowing of saliva, speech, and chewing and swallowing of an apple. Results and Conclusions: A significantly higher level of activity at rest and during swallowi...