QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE OROFACIAL SYSTEM IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY: A SCOPING REVIEW OF INSTRUMENTS, PARAMETERS, AND RESEARCH GAPS

This scoping review aims to systematically identify, map, and critically appraise the methodologies used for the quantitative assessment of the orofacial system within the field of speech-language pathology. The review will focus on studies employing objective biomedical instruments to evaluate functions such as mastication, swallowing, respiration, phonation, and suction. By synthesizing instruments, parameters, measurement units, and population characteristics across the literature published between 2014 and 2024, this project seeks to reveal methodological trends, highlight inconsistencies, and uncover gaps in clinical and research practices. The review follows the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley, further developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute, and complies with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Sources will be retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. This synthesis is intended to inform evidence-based practices and guide the development of standardized protocols for orofacial functional assessment in speech-language pathology.