The use of electropalatography in the assessment and treatment of acquired motor speech disorders in adults: Current knowledge and future directions

Considerations on Effective Feedback in Computerized Speech Training for Dysarthric Speakers

Introduction: In this article, we consider the role of feedback in computerized speech training for patients with dysarthric speech due to acquired neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and stroke. Methods: Based on literature from different fields, we review several issues that play a role when designing feedback for computerized speech training, including serious games. Results: Which speech dimensions (e.g., articulation, loudness) to target in computerized speech feedback, and at what level of detail to provide the feedback, depend on the focus of the specific speech therapy and the technical feasibility of providing reliable speech feedback. Furthermore, feedback that provides knowledge of results generally appears equally effective as knowledge of performance feedback, and is more easily provided in computerized speech training systems. Implicit feedback can be more motivating than explicit feedback (e.g., in serious games), but may be harder to understand. Multimodal feedback is preferred over unimodal feedback to ensure that the feedback message is optimally perceived. Mild negative task-oriented feedback can enhance effort but should be balanced with positive feedback, such as feedback referring to patients' progress. Finally, a balance should be found between the motivational advantages of high-frequency immediate feedback (e.g., in serious games) and the advantages of low-frequency and delayed feedback in preventing patients from becoming dependent on augmented feedback. Conclusions: Several aspects play a role in designing feedback for computerized speech training for dysarthric speakers. Decisions on these aspects should be made carefully, accounting for the specific characteristics of the patient group that is targeted, the focus of the specific speech therapy, and the technological possibilities that are available.

Using ultrasound visual feedback to remediate velar fronting in preschool children: A pilot study

Anecdotally, velar fronting can be difficult to remediate in some children. This pilot study examined the use of ultrasound visual feedback in remediating velar fronting in typically developing children. A single-case, multiple-baseline across-subjects experimental design was used to examine acquisition, retention and generalisation of velar treatment targets. Two otherwise typically developing children (P1, aged 4;0; P3, aged 4;11) completed the study. The productions of /k/ and /ɡ/ at syllable level were targeted during treatment. P1 improved her productions of /k/ and /ɡ/ at syllable level during the treatment period and achieved correct production at word level during follow-up. P3 made no improvements in his productions of velar targets. This study suggests that ultrasound visual feedback may be an option for remediating velar fronting in some preschoolers. Further study is required.

Measures to Evaluate the Effects of DBS on Speech Production

The purpose of this paper is to review and evaluate measures of speech production that could be used to document effects of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on speech performance, especially in persons with Parkinson disease (PD). A small set of evaluative criteria for these measures is presented first, followed by consideration of several speech physiology and speech acoustic measures that have been studied frequently and reported on in the literature on normal speech production, and speech production affected by neuromotor disorders (dysarthria). Each measure is reviewed and evaluated against the evaluative criteria. Embedded within this review and evaluation is a presentation of new data relating speech motions to speech intelligibility measures in speakers with PD, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and control speakers (CS). These data are used to support the conclusion that at the present time the slope of second formant transitions (F2 slope), an acoustic measure, is well suited to make inferences to speech motion and to predict speech intelligibility. The use of other measures should not be ruled out, however, and we encourage further development of evaluative criteria for speech measures designed to probe the effects of DBS or any treatment with potential effects on speech production and communication skills.

Acoustic and perceptual analysis of speech adaptation to an artificial palate

The study investigated adaptation to a standard electropalatographic (EPG) practise palate in a group of eight adults (mean age = 24 years). The participants read the phrase "a CVC" over four sampling conditions: prior to inserting the palate, immediately following insertion of the palate, 45 minutes after palate insertion, and 3 hours after insertion of the palate. Perceptual and acoustic analyses were conducted on the initial CV portion of the stimuli. Consonants examined included: /t/, /k/, /s/, and // followed by the /i/, /a/, and /u/ vowels. Results revealed that individuals within the group were able to adapt their speech articulation to compensate for the presence of the artificial palate. Perceptually, mild consonant imprecision was observed upon insertion of the palate; however, this resolved following 45 minutes to 3 hours of adaptation. Acoustic findings indicated that the palate did not affect segment durations or vowel formant frequencies. However, a significant reduction in M1 for /s/ persisted across the sampling periods. Overall, the results suggest that a period of between 45 minutes and 3 hours of adaptation is generally suitable for participation in EPG studies.