Mohammed Safi | Fontbonne University (original) (raw)

Papers by Mohammed Safi

Research Square (Research Square), Sep 10, 2021

BMC Psychology

Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an interplay between biological, social and environm... more Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an interplay between biological, social and environmental factors that impact the development of individuals. However, core characteristics are social, communication and behaviour challenges that restrict children’s participation in society. Consequently, there are discussions regarding the need for society to develop interventions that are geared towards promoting the participation of children with ASD in societies. While the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) helps lessen the biological characteristics of children with ASD, its impact has rarely been explored in non-western societies, such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Objectives The instant study’s purpose was to explore parents’ perceptions of the effectiveness of the PECS on the communicative, social and academic developments of children with ASD in UAE. Method The Perception Towards Picture Exchange Communication Scale (PTPECS) was developed to collect data from the p...

The main aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of using digital stories to improve s... more The main aim of this study was to explore the effectiveness of using digital stories to improve social skills for students on the ASD spectrum. The problem statement aimed at strengthening any previous research that was conducted on social stories. To strengthen the literature and case studies conducted in this field, the researcher conducted a single subject study to investigate the impact of using digital social stories in improving nonverbal communication (using gestures) and the impact of using digital social stories in improving playing and sharing toys with peers was studied over a period of time. The study showed that both students had a change in their target behavior after receiving the ‘treatment’. The children did show a positive response after the intervention at different levels. This gives an indication that further studies may be needed to accurately analyze the impact of social stories on students with disabilities. The factors to be further studied may include longer time of intervention and an increase in the number of case studies. Furthermore, the impact of the integration of technology when using the strategy of social stories can be studied.

Cureus, 2021

International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2021

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have communication and social in... more Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have communication and social interaction deficits. Their impaired communication is derived from difficulties in acquiring language. The use of interactive technologies has been demonstrated to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, as well as the social interaction tendencies of children with ASD. Artificial intelligence has played a growing role in the habilitation of children with ASD. However, little research exists on the possible roles and effectiveness of virtual voice assistants in developing language and social skills in children with ASD. This study examined the effects of using a voice assistant in children with ASD on two outcomes: speech skills (expressive verbal vocabulary and production of short phrases) and social interaction skills (playing/sharing). Methods: An interventional single-case design study was used to explore this concept using three children with ASD between the ages of 4 and 11 years. The participants used an accessible virtual voice assistant, Apple's Siri, for three months. Pre-and post-intervention questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with mothers were administered to measure the communication and social interaction skills of the participating children. Results: Participant One, Two and Three showed a notable improvement in the total number of correct words produced with fewer attempts during the VVA intervention compared with the baseline phase. Further, all participants showed increases in the social interactions in the intervention phase, compared with the baseline phase. Finally, all the mothers noted improvement in their children's speech intelligibility and social interactions. Conclusions: Results showed that the virtual voice assistant had positive effects on the speech and social interaction skills of children with ASD. The findings of this study implied that children with ASD can use readily available voice assistant software to improve their speech and social interaction skills. Furthermore, this study's findings could be used to develop strategies to increase the availability of artificial intelligence infrastructure in schools and homes to help children with ASD.

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 2020

The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate discomfort levels of facial NMES in healthy ... more The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate discomfort levels of facial NMES in healthy volunteers. Eight participants completed the Discomfort Level Scale (DLS) following each motor level facial neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) session. Each participant completed 12 sessions of facial NMES for a total of 96 NMES treatments. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant correlation between the facial NMES intensity level and DLS (p < 0.001). This study demonstrated that the DLS is a useful tool to check for discomfort levels in patients who receive facial NMES. Further, this study provides strong support for the tolerability of facial NMES.

International journal of rehabilitation research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue internationale de recherches de readaptation, Jan 31, 2017

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may have potential as a treatment for muscle weakness... more Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may have potential as a treatment for muscle weakness as it may improve strength when applied to the orofacial muscles. However, before incorporating this procedure into clinical practice, research is needed to investigate its effects on lingual and facial muscles of speech and mastication. The aim of this study was to determine what effect(s) submental and labial NMES would have on lingual and labial muscle strength in healthy participants. Fourteen healthy adults (27-49 years old) were assigned to two groups (treatment and control). A pretreatment and post-treatment test using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument was used to measure the strength of labial and lingual muscles in both groups. Participants in the treatment group received labial and submental NMES while performing a structured labial, buccal, and lingual exercise program. In contrast, participants in the control group completed the same oral motor exercise program without st...

International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 2022

Parents’ outcomes in early intervention for children with special educational needs and disabilit... more Parents’ outcomes in early intervention for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have not received close study in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In pursuit of this goal, a quantitative method used to collect quantitative data and investigate parents’ outcomes. Therefore, the family outcomes survey (FOS) was utilised to collect data from parents whose children were served in four rehabilitation centres across the UAE. Descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used to address the main research question and examine the study hypotheses. The results of the study indicated high parent outcomes in two areas: understanding the child’s needs and providing support; meanwhile, other outcomes did not achieve the cut-off score. Additionally, statistical differences were found among outcomes in relation to the family services programme, type of disability (in favour of parents of children with developmental delay and Down syndrome), and ac...

The International journal of orofacial myology : official publication of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, 2014

Lingual, labial and buccal weakness (LLBW) is a widespread consequence of several neurological in... more Lingual, labial and buccal weakness (LLBW) is a widespread consequence of several neurological insults. LLBW impact on oral motor functions such as speech production and swallowing is well documented in the literature. Therefore, it is important for the speech-language pathologists to have access to evidence-based approaches for treatment. Thus, it is imperative that the speech-language pathology field search for effective treatment approaches and explore new treatment modalities that can improve therapy outcomes. One relatively new modality in this field is neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). The purpose of this paper is fivefold: (a) to provide an overview of the general effects of NMES on skeletal muscles; (b) to review the effect of NMES on orofacial musculature evaluating the potential appropriateness of NMES for use in strengthening lingual, labial and buccal muscles; (c) to identify future directions for research with consideration of its potential role in improving ...

Advances in Autism, 2021

Purpose Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face difficulty with educational attainment ... more Purpose Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face difficulty with educational attainment because of to their inability to interact with others. One intervention that is used to increase social skills in individuals with ASD is social stories. This study aimed at exploring the impact of digital social stories in improving social skills of two students with ASD in the UAE. Design/methodology/approach An experimental AB single-subject study was conducted to investigate the impact of digital social stories on nonverbal communication, targeting two specific behaviors: raising hands before leaving one’s seat (TB1) and playing and sharing toys with peers (TB2). Two digital social stories (DSS1 and DSS2) were developed for the purpose of this study and transformed using a digital platform to be displayed on an iPad (tablet). Findings This study involved two male participants with ASD (10 and 11 years old). Participant one demonstrated improvement in TB1 (mean of 1.11) because of DSS...

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 2018

Objective: This study explored the effect of facial and submental neuromuscular electrical stimul... more Objective: This study explored the effect of facial and submental neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in individuals with lingual, labial and buccal weakness. Method: An ABC/ACB design was used. Two male participants who acquired cerebrovascular accident (60 years) involved in this study. Both engaged in 2 treatment phases. One phase included performing an oral motor exercise program in conjunction with the NMES. Second phase included performing only oral motor exercise program. Results: Submental NMES did not have any effect on lingual strength. However, facial NMES had positive effect on labial strength in the 2 participants.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine (a) whether submental electrical stimulation co... more Objective: The aim of this study was to determine (a) whether submental electrical stimulation could induce hyolaryngeal movement in healthy adults, (b) the effect of submental surface electrical stimulation on hyolaryngeal movement during stimulated swallows in comparison to nonstimulated swallows, and (c) the effect of submental surface electrical stimulation on vestibular closing both during stimulated swallows and stimulation at rest. Methods: Seven healthy participants with a mean age was 51 ± 5.6 years were included in this study. Each participant received submental neuromuscular electrical stimulation and was given 5 mL of liquid barium to swallow both with and without stimulation. Six randomized trials were recorded—3 with submental surface stimulation and 3 without stimulation with at least one sham stimulation swallow trial at rest. Trials were recorded via videofluoroscopy. Results: A total of 82 trails were recorded. The results of this study indicated (a) there was a hy...

Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface

OBJECTIVES Transcutaneous stimulation above and below the hyoid is used to assist patients with s... more OBJECTIVES Transcutaneous stimulation above and below the hyoid is used to assist patients with swallowing disorders (dysphagia) but has shown different effects. Previously, infrahyoid transcutaneous stimulation lowered the hyoid and larynx resisting swallowing movement while suprahyoid stimulation had no effects on hyolaryngeal movement either at rest or during swallowing. More recently, large submental electrodes, covering the submental region, are used for swallowing therapy in combination with resistance therapy. To gain insight into the effects of these electrodes on movement during swallowing, we studied healthy volunteers using videofluoroscopy (VF). We hypothesized that submental electrical stimulation might elevate the hyoid but not the larynx increasing vestibular opening potentially reducing swallowing safety. MATERIALS AND METHODS While undergoing VF, seven healthy volunteers (mean age 51, 5 males) swallowed 5 mL of liquid barium on at least ten trials randomly ordered across three conditions: stimulation at rest, swallowing without stimulation, and swallowing with stimulation. RESULTS During stimulation at rest, significant (one tailed p < 0.05) anterior movement occurred in the hyoid and larynx, no superior hyoid and laryngeal movement and an increase in the distance between the hyoid and larynx. When comparing swallowing with and without submental stimulation, during stimulation volunteers significantly reduced anterior hyoid motion (p = 0.028) and increased hyoid elevation (p = 0.043) without changing anterior or superior laryngeal movement or the distance between the hyoid and larynx. CONCLUSIONS The healthy volunteers immediately corrected for the effects of submental stimulation by reducing hyoid anterior motion and increasing superior hyoid motion without changing laryngeal motion to prevent increased vestibule opening with stimulation. This suggests that healthy volunteers had an internal schema for swallowing movement patterning with feedforward correction for the effects of stimulation.

The International journal of orofacial myology : official publication of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, 2014

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Cureus, 2021

Background Globally, less than 10% of graduating medical students select pathology as a future ca... more Background Globally, less than 10% of graduating medical students select pathology as a future career. Many factors were reported from different settings to influence the choice of pathology. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that determine medical students' preferences in choosing pathology as a future career. Methods This cross-sectional study surveyed students from three governmental medical schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A self-administered questionnaire that contained demographic questions and items that addressed perceived factors that affect the choice of pathology was distributed to medical students. Collected data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Statistics for Windows, Version 25.0 (Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). A chi-square test was used to determine the association between independent variables and interest in pathology. Results Out of the 400 questionnaires distributed, 338 students completed the survey with a response rate of 84.5%. Overall, surgery (24%) and internal medicine (20%) were the most favored, specialties with only 5% of the students selecting pathology as their first choice. Patient-doctor interaction (72.2%) was perceived as the most important factor in not choosing pathology as a future career. Taking an elective course, younger age groups, and year in medical school were all significantly associated (p<0.001) with an interest in pathology. Conclusion In this study, most of the students indicated surgery and internal medicine as their first specialty choices. Only 5% of the students chose pathology as their first choice. Two-thirds of medical students perceived pathologists do not interact with patients. A significant association was found between younger age groups, enrolling for a pathology course, and having an interest in pathology.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have communication and social 17 interaction... more Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tend to have communication and social 17 interaction deficits. Their impaired communication is derived from difficulties in acquiring 18 language. The use of interactive technologies has been demonstrated to enhance verbal and 19 non-verbal communication, as well as the social interaction tendencies of children with ASD. 20 Artificial intelligence has played a growing role in the habilitation of children with ASD. 21 However, little research exists on the possible roles and effectiveness of virtual voice 22 assistants in developing language and social skills in children with ASD. This study 23 examined the effects of using a voice assistant in children with ASD on two outcomes: 24 speech skills (expressive verbal vocabulary and production of short phrases) and social 25 interaction skills (playing/sharing). An interventional single-case design study was used to 26 explore this concept in three children with ASD between the ages of 4 and 11 years. The 27 participants used an accessible virtual voice assistant, Apple's Siri, for three months. Pre-and 28 post-intervention questionnaires and semistructured interviews with mothers were 29 administered to measure the communication and social interaction skills of the participating 30 children. Results showed that the virtual voice assistant had positive effects on the speech and 31 social interaction skills of children with ASD. The findings of this study implied that children 32 with ASD can use readily available voice assistant software to improve their speech and 33 social interaction skills. Furthermore, this study's findings could be used to develop strategies 34 to increase the availability of artificial intelligence infrastructure in schools and homes to 35 help children with ASD. 36

BACKGROUND. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia has been gaining increased attenti... more BACKGROUND. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia has been gaining increased attention despite the fact that the effectiveness remains controversial. Therapists continue to use submental electrode placements to achieve hyolaryngeal superior and anterior movement during swallows. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine a) if submental electrical stimulation could induce hyolaryngeal movement in healthy adults, b) the effect of submental surface electrical stimulation on hyolaryngeal movement during stimulated swallows in comparison to non-stimulated swallows and c) the effects of submental surface electrical stimulation on vestibular closing both during stimulated swallows and stimulation at rest.
METHODS. Seven healthy participants with mean age of 51 ± 5.6 years (5 males). Each participant received submental neuromuscular electrical stimulation and was given 5 ml of liquid barium to swallow both with and without stimulation as well as stimulation without swallows. At least six randomized trials were recorded; three with submental surface stimulation and three without stimulation with at least one sham stimulation swallow trial at rest. Trials were recorded via videofluoroscopy.
RESULTS: The results of this study indicated a) there was a hyoid movement as a result of submental stimulation, b) no laryngeal movement occurred as a result of stimulation, c) the vestibule opening size was larger during stimulated swallows as compared non-stimulated swallows.
CONCLUSIONS. This study shows that there is an increased risk of aspiration with submental stimulation as a result of increased vestibular opening following submental Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation.

Research Square (Research Square), Sep 10, 2021

BMC Psychology

Cureus, 2021

International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 2021

Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 2020

International journal of rehabilitation research. Internationale Zeitschrift fur Rehabilitationsforschung. Revue internationale de recherches de readaptation, Jan 31, 2017

International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 2022

The International journal of orofacial myology : official publication of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, 2014

Advances in Autism, 2021

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation, 2018

Neuromodulation: Technology at the Neural Interface

The International journal of orofacial myology : official publication of the International Association of Orofacial Myology, 2014

Topics in Geriatric Rehabilitation

Cureus, 2021

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia has been gaining increase... more ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for dysphagia has been gaining increased attention despite the fact that the effectiveness remains controversial. Therapists continue to use submental electrode placements to achieve hyolaryngeal superior and anterior movement during swallows. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine a) if submental electrical stimulation could induce hyolaryngeal movement in healthy adults, b) the effect of submental surface electrical stimulation on hyolaryngeal movement during stimulated swallows in comparison to non-stimulated swallows and c) the effects of submental surface electrical stimulation on vestibular closing both during stimulated swallows and stimulation at rest.
METHODS. Seven healthy participants with mean age of 51 ± 5.6 years (5 males). Each participant received submental neuromuscular electrical stimulation and was given 5 ml of liquid barium to swallow both with and without stimulation as well as stimulation without swallows. At least six randomized trials were recorded; three with submental surface stimulation and three without stimulation with at least one sham stimulation swallow trial at rest. Trials were recorded via videofluoroscopy.
RESULTS: The results of this study indicated a) there was a hyoid movement as a result of submental stimulation, b) no laryngeal movement occurred as a result of stimulation, c) the vestibule opening size was larger during stimulated swallows as compared non-stimulated swallows.
CONCLUSIONS. This study shows that there is increased risk of aspiration with submental stimulation as a result of increased vestibular opening following submental Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation.
DESIGN.: Experimental group design.
POPULATION. Seven healthy participants with mean age was 51 ± 5.6 years.
METHODS. Each participant received submental neuromuscular electrical stimulation and was given 5 ml of liquid barium to swallow both with and without stimulation. Six randomized trials were recorded; three with submental surface stimulation and three without stimulation with at least one sham stimulation swallow trial at rest. Trials were recorded via videofluoroscopy.
RESULTS: The results of this study indicated a) there was a hyoid movement as a result of submental stimulation, b) no laryngeal movement occurred as a result of stimulation, c) the vestibule opening size was larger during stimulated swallows as compared non-stimulated swallows.
CONCLUSIONS. This study shows that there is increased risk of aspiration with submental stimulation as a result of increased vestibular opening following submental Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation.
CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT. Extra caution should be considered when working with individuals with severe dysphagia due to severely weak hyolaryngeal displacement. As this leads to placing these vulnerable individuals under unnecessary risk for aspiration.