Flaccid dysarthria occurs as a result of damage to the lower cranial nerves involved in speech. Exercises concentrating on improving flexibility and strength of your lips, tongue and jaw will improve speaking capabilities. Since your condition may not respond to all exercises, obtain medical clearance before starting any new exercise.
Jaw Isos
Flaccid dysarthria exercises need to include some isometric maneuvers to strengthen diminished jaw muscle strength caused by paralysis of the oral structures, according to Dr. Patrick McCaffrey of California State University, Chico. Isometrics strengthen muscles without moving joints and can provide an effective mandibular force training. Sit upright with feet firmly planted on floor. Place your right hand onto your chin. Gently push your jaw into your hand, resisting the movement with your right hand. Hold the tension 10 seconds. Release the tension and relax 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Jaw Flexing
Flexible jaw muscles play an essential role in being able to speak properly, according to the University of Louisiana. Flaccid dysarthria exercises can work on restoring your mandibular range of motion by doing some jaw circles. Sit upright in a firm chair. Slowly open your mouth and start making circles with your jaw. Move your jaw as far as possible to the right, then down, then to the left and up without causing pain. After completing one circle, return to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Lip Workouts
Flaccid dysarthria exercises need to concentrate on strengthening labial muscles that have been weakened or lack muscle mass, according to McCaffrey. Lips play an essential role in enunciation, speech and performing everyday activities such as pursing. Work on your lip strength by doing some cheek puffing maneuvers. Sit upright in a firm chair. Tightly close your mouth. Puff your cheeks up with air. Do not let any air escape. Move the air to your right cheek. Hold five seconds. Move the air to your left cheek. Hold five seconds. Return the air to center position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Tongue Strengtheners
Flaccid dysarthria commonly results in the twitching of tongue tissues caused by muscle atrophy or weakness. Having a strong tongue not only increases speaking capabilities, but helps counteract tongue tissue twitching, according to McCaffrey. Strengthen your tongue by doing a flaccid dysarthria exercise where you start by sticking your tongue out as far as possible. Place a spoon on your tongue. Push down on the spoon and use your tongue to push up against the spoon. Hold the tension 10 seconds. Release the tension and remove the spoon. Return your tongue to its original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Tongue Stretchers
Flaccid dysarthria exercises that concentrate on increasing your tongue's range of motion will make speaking easier and your speech more comprehensible. Improve your tongue flexion by sitting upright in a firm chair. Stick your tongue out as far as possible and straighten it. Hold the stretch eight seconds. Slowly return to your original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
