Intervention for lateral /s/ using electropalatography (EPG) biofeedback and an intensive motor learning approach: a case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Visual biofeedback using electropalatography (EPG) has been beneficial in the treatment of some cases of lateral /s/ misarticulation. While EPG intervention is motorically based, studies have not commonly employed a motor learning approach to treatment. Furthermore, treatment success is measured primarily by change to EPG tongue-palate contact patterns and listener ratings conducted by speech-language therapists. Studies have not commonly measured articulatory change without the palate in-situ using acoustic analysis and non-professional listeners.

AIMS:

To determine if an intensive treatment programme including both visual biofeedback (EPG) and traditional articulation techniques within a motor learning paradigm would result in functional improvement to /s/ articulation in an 11-year-old girl with persistent lateral misarticulation.

METHODS & PROCEDURES:

Treatment involved 12 sessions of therapist-delivered treatment over 4 weeks followed by a 6-week home programme. Outcomes of the treatment programme were measured primarily using naive listener ratings and acoustic analysis of /s/ spectra.

OUTCOMES & RESULTS:

Improvements to both the perceptual and spectral characteristics of /s/ articulation occurred following the treatment programme.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study highlighted the benefit of an intensive approach to intervention incorporating both visual biofeedback and traditional articulation approaches. The inclusion of a 6-week structured home-programme was beneficial and resulted in consolidation of treatment gains.

• Authors: Megan J McAuliffe, Petrea L Cornwell
• Journal: International journal of language & communication disorders (Int J Lang Commun Disord) 2008 Mar-Apr Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 219-29 ISSN: 1368-2822 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17852524 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Articulation Disorders (physiopathology, psychology, therapy)
• Biofeedback, Psychology (instrumentation, methods)
• Child
• Female
• Humans
• Movement
• Palate, Hard
• Speech Therapy (instrumentation, methods)
• Therapy, Computer-Assisted (instrumentation, methods)
• Tongue (physiopathology)
• Treatment Outcome