Physiological feedback for remediation of persistent /r/: four case summaries

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess physiological-based feedback in the context of clients presenting persistent r-production problems. The subject-clients were not able to resolve their speech production errors in traditional auditory-based interventions. The intervention employed in the current study was developed around near real-time feedback using spectral displays and kinematic sensations (movement, vocal tract constriction). Subjects produced 100-250 trials of syllable releasing and arresting target stimuli in each therapy session. Kinematic evaluation accompanied assessment of formant trajectories for of each articulatory attempt. All subjects improved accuracy of performance during the intervention. One of four subjects demonstrated considerable change. Her performance was maintained over time and thus considered to be clinically significant. Results are discussed with reference to the relation between intervention and speech production regulating systems.