Year: 2026 | Month: January | Volume: 16 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 59-64
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20260107
A Cross-Sectional Study on Association of Drooling Severity and Frequency with Speech and Head Control in Patients with Cerebral Palsy
Dr. Anjali V. Pancholi (PT)1, Dr. Dhwanit S. Shah (PT)2
1Assistant Professor, Mahatma Gandhi Physiotherapy College, Gujarat University, India.
2Senior Lecturer, Government Physiotherapy College, New Civil Hospital Campus, Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Anjali V. Pancholi (PT)
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the commonest cause of physical impairment in children. Drooling, speech disorders and poor head control are frequently associated with cerebral palsy.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the association of drooling severity and frequency with speech and head control in patients with Cerebral Palsy.
METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study included 44 Cerebral Palsy patients between the age group of 5-15 years, selected based upon the inclusion and exclusion criteria from various clinics in Surat. After taking consent, outcome measures: Drooling severity and frequency by Thomas Stonell and Greenburg Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale, Speech by Viking Speech Scale and Head control in supported sitting were measured. Statistical analysis of the data was carried out using SPSS 26.0 software. All the Qualitative data were described as frequency and percentages and analyzed by using Chi Square test.
RESULTS: The findings demonstrated a significant association between drooling severity and frequency with both speech impairment and head control. Increased drooling severity and frequency were associated with greater speech impairment, while better head control was associated with reduced drooling severity and frequency. All associations were statistically significant (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The study concludes that higher drooling severity and frequency are linked to increased speech impairment, whereas improved head control is associated with reduced drooling severity and frequency.
Key words: Cerebral Palsy, Drooling, Speech, Head Control