Blog not found for URL: electropalatography-epg-in-japan-innovations-and-lessons-from-the-covid-19-pandemic
Electropalatography (EPG) in Japan: Innovations and Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic || TinyEYE Therapy Services
Apply Today
If you are looking for a rewarding career in online therapy apply today!
Electropalatography (EPG) in Japan: Innovations and Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted many fields, including speech therapy and research. The recent research article "Electropalatography (EPG) activities in Japan and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EPG research and therapy: A report of presentations at the 7th EPG Symposium" provides valuable insights into how EPG research and therapy have adapted during these challenging times. This blog will explore key findings from the article and how practitioners can implement these outcomes to improve their skills and encourage further research.
Overview of EPG
Electropalatography (EPG) is a technique that uses a custom-made dental device with embedded electrodes to record tongue-to-palate contact during speech. This method provides real-time visual feedback, making it a valuable tool for assessing and treating articulation disorders. Historically, EPG has been used for clients with cleft palate and speech sound disorders of unknown origin.
Impact of COVID-19 on EPG Research and Therapy
The pandemic necessitated significant changes in EPG research and therapy. The article outlines several key adaptations:
Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as face shields and acrylic boards to ensure safety during face-to-face sessions.
Implementation of telepractice to deliver EPG therapy remotely, leveraging technologies like STARS and PTU for real-time visual feedback.
Development of new EPG equipment compatible with tablets and laptops, allowing for more flexible and mobile data collection.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
Practitioners can benefit from these adaptations by:
Incorporating telepractice into their therapy sessions to maintain continuity of care during lockdowns or for clients who prefer remote sessions.
Utilizing PPE and acrylic barriers to safely conduct face-to-face sessions when necessary.
Exploring new EPG technologies to enhance data collection and therapy effectiveness.
Encouraging Further Research
The adaptations and innovations during the pandemic have highlighted areas for further research:
Evaluating the long-term effectiveness of telepractice for EPG therapy.
Investigating the impact of different PPE on speech therapy outcomes.
Developing standardized guidelines for disinfecting EPG equipment and other instrumental techniques in speech research.
Citation: Lee, A., Fujiwara, Y., Liker, M., Yamamoto, I., Takei, Y., & Gibbon, F. (2022). Electropalatography (EPG) activities in Japan and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on EPG research and therapy: A report of presentations at the 7th EPG Symposium. International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 57(4), 906-917. https://doi.org/10.1111/1460-6984.12720
Apply Today
If you are looking for a rewarding career in online therapy apply today!
