Perceptual, durational and tongue displacement measures following articulation therapy for rhotic sound errors

ABSTRACT

Outcomes of articulation therapy for rhotic errors are usually assessed perceptually. However, our understanding of associated changes of tongue movement is limited. This study described perceptual, durational and tongue displacement changes over 10 sessions of articulation therapy for /ɹ/ in six children. Four of the participants also received ultrasound biofeedback of their tongue shape. Speech and tongue movement were recorded pre-therapy, after 5 sessions, in the final session and at a one month follow-up. Perceptually, listeners perceived improvement and classified more productions as /ɹ/ in the final and follow-up assessments. The durations of VɹV syllables at the midway point of the therapy were longer. Cumulative tongue displacement increased in the final session. The average standard deviation was significantly higher in the middle and final assessments. The duration and tongue displacement measures illustrated how articulation therapy affected tongue movement and may be useful for outcomes research about articulation therapy.

KEYWORDS:

• Articulation errors
• child speech
• rhotics
• treatment
• ultrasound

Acknowledgments

The biofeedback software was developed and programmed by Mr Eric Wan at the University of Toronto.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report.

Funding

This research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (operating grant fund number 485680).

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (operating grant fund number 485680).