EN
The analysis of current research in the aspect of neurophysiological processes and development of speech functions shows that there is a relationship between the general physical status of a child and his or her perception of their body. This concerns especially the functions in the area of fine and gross motor skills, and speech sound production. This research represents the continuation of theoretical considerations on the importance of body perception, integration and sensorimotor coordination in the context of the development of realization efficiency. The aim of the study was to evaluate the differences and relationships between physical status, the functional efficiency of respiratory muscles and articulatory motor skills in children with severe and profound hearing impairments (n = 17) after cochlear implantation compared to hearing children with speech impediments (n = 29). All the participants were subjected to speech therapy at the Centre for Diagnostics, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Hearing, Voice and Speech Disorders in the John Paul II Provincial Hospital of Podkarpacie in Krosno. The presented results confirmed that the motor skills of respiratory muscles expressed in their functional efficiency combined with the changing physical status have an effect on the state of articulation, regardless of the etiopathogenesis of possible defects in this field. Therefore, the search for optimal methods of speech therapy in the field of speech impediments should include exercises integrated with respiratory muscle improvement to develop coordination motor skills. Efficient and strong respiratory muscles are an essential part of the speech executive organ which is involved in speech sound production.