SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

Research for speech-language pathology

Papers a speech-language pathologist can act on — aphasia, dysphagia, developmental language, fluency, voice and augmentative communication — read in full and summarised plainly.

10,216 PAPERS · PAGE 191 OF 205 · NEWEST FIRST

• PTOTSLPCohort2026Specific components of manual dexterity are affected in patients with writer's cramp: an observational comparative study and preliminary rehabilitation report.Journal of rehabilitation medicineWriter's cramp does not cause a general loss of manual dexterity. Patients showed normal finger tapping speed and force control, but reduced finger selectivity. This impaired independence correlated with poorer handwriting legibility. Preliminary rehabilitation improved selectivity and automated legibility, but not writing speed.
• SLPCohort2026The Effect of Real Ear Target Deviations on SSQ and Speech Intelligibility in a Clinical Population.Trends in hearingHearing aids improved both speech scores and patient-reported outcomes. High-frequency under-amplification was linked to smaller gains in self-reported benefit, but did not predict speech recognition in quiet. Closer matching to targets above 4 kHz may help patients feel the difference, though the effect is modest.
• SLPOther2026Stereotype threat effects on deaf and hard-of-hearing college students' mathematics performance.Journal of deaf studies and deaf educationDeaf and hard-of-hearing college students who were told hearing peers perform better on math tests scored significantly lower than those who were not told this. The effect was additive for women and Black students. This suggests test instructions can depress performance.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Cortical beta coherence provides a stronger non-invasive predictor of movement vigor than local beta power.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationFor healthy adults, brain connectivity between motor and fronto-parietal regions predicted movement speed more consistently than local motor activity. This connectivity marker showed a stable direction across participants, unlike local activity which varied randomly, suggesting a better target for future non-invasive stimulation.
• SLPSurvey2026Using Hearing Aids for Music: A UK Survey of Challenges and Strategies.Trends in hearingHearing aid users find aids helpful for music but struggle with distortion and lyrics, especially in live settings. Many remove their aids or switch to headphones for better sound. Audiologist discussions on music are rare and often unhelpful.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026Understanding Disease Aetiology and Related Needs Knowledge of Parents of Children With Spina Bifida.Child: care, health and developmentParents most often cited walking and toilet issues as primary concerns. Mothers linked spina bifida to folic acid deficiency, while many fathers were unsure of the cause. Both parents reported significant gaps in understanding the condition's origins.
• SLPOther2026Vowel space change as a predictor of speech intelligibility gain in Down syndrome.Clinical linguistics & phoneticsIntelligibility change was mixed in 13 children with Down syndrome. Tighter vowel production and a larger vowel-space boundary were associated with intelligibility gains; qVSA change was not. The study did not test whether the speech enrichment program caused improvement.
• SLPCohort2026Oral language profiles and associated factors in children after neonatal arterial ischaemic stroke.Developmental medicine and child neurologyMore than half of children with neonatal stroke have language difficulties at age 7. Access to speech therapy depends on how obvious the deficit is, not how severe. Children with receptive or borderline problems are frequently missed and under-referred.
• SLPOther2026Phoneme Manner Types and Function and Content Words as Biomarkers for Different Types of Stutters in Speakers Who Continue to Stutter.International journal of language & communication disordersWhole-word repetitions occur almost exclusively on function words starting with vowels, while prolongations and part-word repetitions cluster on content words starting with specific consonants. Grouping all stutter types together hides these distinct patterns.
• SLPPilot2026Thinking flexibly: A cognitive remediation therapy-informed intervention for autistic youth.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceYouth reported improved flexibility and reduced anxiety and depression after eight sessions of adapted cognitive remediation therapy. Parents did not report significant changes. High retention suggests the approach is acceptable to autistic adolescents.
• SLPQualitative2026'It's quite difficult to put Autistic relationships in a box': A qualitative exploration of romantic relationships in gender and sexually diverse Autistic adults.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceAutistic gender and sexually diverse adults described romantic relationships as deeply individual, rejecting standard scripts in favor of explicit communication. They distinguished partners from friends primarily by mutual agreement on labels, viewing shared neurotype as helpful for understanding but not a guarantee of compatibility.
• PTOTSLPOther2025Relationship between visual function and motor skills: validation through a vision training system and physical fitness test.Journal of physical therapy scienceIn healthy adults, better spatial awareness on a vision test correlated with higher overall fitness scores and specifically with better repeated horizontal jump performance. Other visual skills, like eye-hand coordination or peripheral perception, showed no significant link to physical fitness.
• PTOTSLPNarrative Review2025Design of dry-needling and acupuncture sham devices: an illustrative review.Journal of physical therapy scienceFive sham needle devices were identified that look and feel like real acupuncture but do not penetrate the skin. Only one allows the therapist to be blinded too, which is critical for rigorous trials. No standard device exists yet.
• SLPProtocol2026Protocol for a Systematic Review of Interventions Not Delivered by Speech and Language Therapists for Children With Speech Sound Disorders.International journal of language & communication disordersThis paper outlines the plan for a future systematic review of non-speech-therapist-led interventions for children with speech sound disorders. It contains no results, data, or conclusions, so there is nothing here to change clinical practice.
• SLPCohort2026Clinical predictors of dysphagia in patients with sepsis in a high-complexity hospital: insights for early identification.CoDASIn 35 sepsis patients, those with swallowing problems were more likely to have had prior neurological disease, require tube feeding, and die. Pre-existing neurological conditions and lung infections flagged high risk for dysphagia, warranting early speech therapy screening.
• SLPCohort2026Impaired Tone-in-Noise Detection in Individuals Who Report Temporary Hearing Symptoms After Noise Exposure.Ear and hearingService members who frequently noticed their hearing change after loud noise had worse tone-in-noise detection scores than those who did not. This occurred even when their standard hearing tests were normal. Adding this specific listening test to routine exams helps validate patient complaints that audiograms miss.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Accuracy of Balloons and Handheld Spirometers as Low-Cost Tools for Measuring Vital Capacity and Air Volume: A Laboratory-Based Validation Study.Folia phoniatrica et logopaedica : official organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)In a lab setting, a $150 digital spirometer and a $1 balloon measured injected air volumes with small, predictable errors compared to expensive clinical equipment. These low-cost tools accurately estimate vital capacity when simple mathematical corrections are applied.
• SLPOther2026Does the Use of Crowdsourced Listeners Yield Different Speech Intelligibility Results Than In-Person Listeners for Typically Developing Children?Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRCrowdsourced listeners scored child speech as less intelligible than in-person listeners, with the largest drop for children in the mid-range of clarity. This method underestimates performance compared to standard norms, so it should not replace clinical assessment for these patients.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Profiles of parent-teacher discrepancy on autistic children's adaptive functioning.Autism : the international journal of research and practiceParent and teacher ratings of autistic children's adaptive functioning often disagree. Teachers rated children with higher IQ and better executive function as more capable at school than parents did. Children with lower incomes showed the largest gaps, with parents reporting higher skills than teachers.
• OTSLPCase Report2026Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Disruptive Behavior in a Child With Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Failure to Thrive.Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBPManaging ADHD in a child with eosinophilic esophagitis and poor weight gain requires choosing medications that do not suppress appetite, such as alpha-2 agonists, and adapting feeding therapy to the family's specific food restrictions and stress levels.
• SLPCohort2026Reexamination of Data on the Acclimatization of Hearing Aid Benefit Using Experienced Hearing Aid Wearers as Controls.Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRReanalyzing one-year data from 111 adults, this study found no evidence of auditory acclimatization. Neither new nor experienced hearing aid users showed the expected pattern of improving speech recognition or self-reported benefit over time. Initial hearing aid benefit appeared stable rather than growing.
• PTOTSLPOther2026Growing stronger: Nine decades of physical disability representation in children's media and implications for pediatric rehabilitation.Journal of pediatric rehabilitation medicinePositive portrayals of physical disability in children's media rose sharply after 2000, with 90% of post-2000 films and shows depicting disability positively compared to 63% before. Spinal cord injury is heavily overrepresented. Therapists can use media literacy to address internalized stigma and reinforce rehabilitation goals.
• SLPPilot2026Rapid Profiling of Loudness Among Older Adults.Ear and hearingA new 5-minute loudness test showed acceptable consistency across repeated runs in older adults. However, it failed to accurately predict individual hearing thresholds, and some participants had unstable results. It is not yet reliable enough for clinical hearing aid fitting.
• SLPSystematic Review2026Factors Affecting Communication Outcomes for Deaf and Multilingual Learners: A Systematic Review.International journal of language & communication disordersDeaf children using several spoken languages were reported to do better when support included home and community language. English-only support was linked to weaker home-language skills. Parent empowerment and rich language exposure also mattered.
• OTSLPQualitative2026Conversation Barriers and Strategies Used by People With Parkinson's and Their Partners to Support Conversation.International journal of language & communication disordersPeople with Parkinson's and partners described barriers like word finding, fatigue, background noise, and partner habits. They reported using strategies such as timing conversations, reducing noise, speaking clearly, planning topics, and video calls.
• SLPRCT2026Immediate effects of photobiomodulation on maximum pressure and endurance of the tongue in adults: a randomized clinical trial.CoDASPhotobiomodulation did not change tongue pressure or endurance in healthy adults. The laser showed no immediate benefit over placebo in this trial.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Explainable machine learning prediction of functional independence measure scores and gain in subacute stroke survivors.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationAdmission scores on basic daily tasks like bowel management strongly predicted discharge independence, while age and toileting skills predicted overall functional gain. These machine learning models identified specific prognostic factors, offering a transparent way to forecast rehabilitation outcomes in subacute stroke survivors.
• PTOTSLPQualitative2026A Smart Textile Biofeedback Training System for Upper Limb Rehabilitation After Stroke: Co-Design Development and Evaluation Study.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesStroke survivors and clinicians found a smart textile biofeedback sleeve easy to use and motivating. It helped them see and control remaining muscle activity. They suggested it for home training in chronic stroke, noting it needs clear instructions and support.
• SLPOther2026Orofacial myofunctional changes and risk of dysphagia in older adults in the frailty process: a methodological study.CoDASA standard oral function test did not predict swallowing risk in older adults with frailty. Scores showed no difference between those at risk and those not at risk of dysphagia, so this assessment alone cannot replace specific swallowing evaluations.
• SLPCohort2026Screening for brain-related comorbidities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Construction, reliability, and validity of the BIND screener.Developmental medicine and child neurologyThe BIND screener accurately flags brain-related comorbidities in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A total score of 20 or higher suggests a high likelihood of existing diagnoses. It is brief, valid across ages, and identifies those needing further neuropsychological assessment.
• PTOTSLPPilot2026Cortical mapping of real-time ultrasound-imaging visual feedback for ankle dorsiflexion in patients after stroke: a fNIRS study.Journal of neuroengineering and rehabilitationReal-time ultrasound feedback during ankle exercises did not increase brain activity in the primary motor area. It reduced deoxygenated blood signals in motor planning regions and altered brain connectivity in stroke survivors. These are preliminary neural changes, not proof of improved movement or recovery.
• SLPQualitative2026"Doing the Best I Can": Qualitative Outcomes and Participant Feedback From a Combined Communication and Counselling Treatment for Primary Progressive Aphasia.International journal of language & communication disordersPeople with primary progressive aphasia described combining speech therapy with counselling as acceptable. They reported using learned coping strategies to manage distressing thoughts and feelings about their diagnosis.
• SLPOther2026The First Cadenza Challenge: Perceptual Evaluation of Machine Learning Systems to Improve Audio Quality of Popular Music for Those with Hearing Loss.Trends in hearingNo machine learning system improved music audio quality for hearing aid users beyond the original unprocessed signal. Clarity and low distortion drove quality ratings. Systems that boosted volume or bass for severe loss often added harshness, making simple or baseline processing preferable.
• SLPCohort2026Quantitative temporal analysis of posterior oral spillage in a dual-task for individuals with Parkinson's disease.CoDASSwallowing while performing a motor task slowed oral control in people with Parkinson's, but only for thick liquids at small volumes reached statistical significance. This suggests distraction impacts specific swallowing mechanics, not necessarily overall safety, in this small group.
• PTOTSLPSurvey2026Preliminary Evidence for Associations Between Emotion Dysregulation and Therapy Participation in Young Autistic Children.Journal of autism and developmental disordersMore therapy types linked to higher emotion dysregulation. Yet, specific speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy participation associated with lower dysphoria or reactivity scores. Direction unclear; association not causation.
• SLPOther2026The Language of Change Among Individuals With Mild Intellectual Disability or Borderline Intellectual Functioning: Client Responses to Therapist Motivational Interviewing Skills.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDTherapists who asked specific questions or reflected on clients' desire to change substance use were more likely to hear clients talk about change. Clients expressed all types of change talk, with 'reasons' being the most common and 'commitment' the least.
• SLPCohort2026Leveraging Monaural Exposures to Reveal Early Effects of Noise: Evidence from Police Radio Ear-Piece Use.Trends in hearingEar-piece use was not associated with worse speech-in-noise hearing in the exposed ear, but it was linked to prolonged spontaneous tinnitus, often in that ear.
• PTOTSLPPilot2026Design Implications of Comfort and Usability of Manual Stairclimbing Wheelchair: Ergonomic Assessment and Pilot Study Using Surface Electromyography Inputs.JMIR rehabilitation and assistive technologiesA heavy 65 kg stair-climbing wheelchair was hard to steer on flat ground but muscle strain dropped when users sat upright with the lever slightly out. The design needs weight reduction and adjustable seats before clinical use.
• SLPOther2026Resting state aperiodic and periodic EEG activity in preschool-aged autistic children: differences from neurotypical peers and links to language skills.Molecular autismIn preschool autistic children, lower brain background noise and stronger alpha rhythms linked to better language. These EEG features tracked language skills regardless of autism diagnosis. This suggests specific brain activity patterns, not just the diagnosis itself, relate to how well these children speak and understand.
• SLPCohort2026Longitudinal Analysis of Intracochlear Electrocochleographic Amplitude Patterns in Cochlear Implant Recipients.Ear and hearingA large drop in electrical cochlear response measured seven weeks after surgery predicted worse low-frequency hearing preservation. However, the location of the peak response did not predict hearing outcomes. Early postoperative changes are more informative than intraoperative patterns for assessing residual hearing.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Disproportional ventilatory response to incremental exercise in individuals with cerebral palsy.Developmental medicine and child neurologyIndividuals with cerebral palsy breathe much faster during exercise than typically developing people, even at lower heart rates. This is likely due to an inability to take deeper breaths rather than metabolic stress. Therapists should monitor respiratory rate, not just heart rate, to gauge exertion.
• OTSLPCohort2026Clinical Diagnostics After Failed Hearing Screening in People With Intellectual Disabilities Do Not Often Take Place.Journal of intellectual disability research : JIDROnly 37.5% of people with intellectual disabilities referred for external hearing diagnostics after failed on-site screening actually attended. Adults were least likely to follow up. Caregivers often did not attempt to book appointments, citing lack of necessity or competing health priorities.
• SLPOther2026Perceptual Outcome Measures for Supplementing Transcription Intelligibility in Speakers with Parkinson's Disease and Mild Dysarthria.Folia phoniatrica et logopaedica : official organ of the International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)Transcription intelligibility scores hit a ceiling in mild Parkinson's, hiding subtle speech changes. Rating how effortful it was to listen, or how severe the speech seemed, captured a wider range of differences. These measures tracked closely with clinical severity ratings, offering a more sensitive picture than accuracy alone.
• OTSLPQualitative2026Digital Pathways to Family Bonds: Exploring WhatsApp Video Calls Adoption by Older Adults With Intellectual Disability in Out-of-Home Residence.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDOlder adults with intellectual disability valued seeing family on video, but most could not use the tablet freely because staff stored it away. Those who gained independence in calling also faced distress when family did not answer, showing access and emotional support are essential.
• SLPPilot2026Is There a Relationship Between Infant and Toddler Speech Discrimination Abilities and Mean Length of Utterance at 33 Months?Journal of speech, language, and hearing research : JSLHRSpeech discrimination at 9 months was not related to mean length of utterance at 33 months. Word recognition at 30 months was linked to longer utterances in children with hearing loss, who still used shorter utterances and fewer mental state words than normal-hearing peers.
• SLPOther2026Improved Singing Accuracy in Children With Bilateral Hearing Devices With More Musical Activities and Better Verbal Fluency.Ear and hearingChildren with hearing devices sang as accurately as children with normal hearing. The music course did not improve accuracy. More everyday music and better animal naming went with better pitch.
• PTOTSLPCohort2026Effects of 24-h Movement Behaviours on Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Chinese Preschoolers Using Compositional Data Analysis.Child: care, health and developmentSleeping more consistently predicted fewer emotional and behavioural problems in preschoolers. Replacing even one minute of activity or sedentary time with sleep improved scores. High physical activity was linked to more problems, not fewer, challenging the idea that more movement is always better.
• SLPQualitative2026What Motivates Parents of Young Children With Down Syndrome to Participate in Research: A Focus Group Analysis.Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities : JARIDParents of children with Down syndrome said they are most motivated to join research when the topic fits their child's age and daily life. Distance and time were the biggest barriers, especially for US families. Italian parents focused more on gaining knowledge than logistics.
• PTOTSLPSystematic Review2026Patient outcomes in KCNQ2 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy.Developmental medicine and child neurologySeizures in KCNQ2 DEE often begin early and may resolve, but tone, cognition, movement, motor, feeding, communication, behaviour and sleep problems were reported more often as children age.
• SLPCase Report2026Effects of tDCS and intensive behavioral therapy in a longevous individual with low education and subacute aphasia.CoDASAn 86-year-old man with subacute aphasia showed improved naming and reduced errors after two weeks of intensive word-finding therapy combined with tDCS. Gains remained 30 days later. As a single case, this does not prove the treatment works for others.