Kinematic analysis of jaw function in children following traumatic brain injury

Primary objective: To investigate jaw movements in children following traumatic brain injury (TBI) during speech using electromagnetic articulography (EMA). Methods and procedures: Jaw movements of two non-dysarthric children ( aged 12.75 and 13.08 years) who had sustained a TBI were recorded using the AG-100 EMA system (Carstens Medizineletronik) during word-initial consonant productions. Mean quantitative kinematic parameters and coefficient of variation ( variability) values were calculated and individually compared to the mean values obtained by a group of six control children ( mean age 12.57 years, SD 1.52). Main outcomes and results: The two children with TBI exhibited word-initial consonant jaw movement durations that were comparable to the control children, with sub-clinical reductions in speed being offset by reduced distances. Differences were observed between the two children in jaw kinematic variability, with one child exhibiting increased variability, while the other child demonstrated reduced or comparable variability compared to the control group. Conclusions: Possible sub-clinical impairments of jaw movement for speech were exhibited by two children who had sustained a TBI, providing insight into the consequences of TBI on speech motor control development.

Analysis of articulatory dynamics in dysarthria following brain injury in childhood using electromagnetic articulography and electropalatography

Two physiological assessments, electromagnetic articulography (EMA) and electropalatography (EPG), were used simultaneously to investigate the articulatory dynamics in an 18-year-old male with dysarthria 9 years following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Eight words consisting of /t, s, integral, k/ in word initial and word final positions were produced up to 10 times. A nonneurologically impaired male served as a control subject. Six parameters were analyzed using EMA: velocity, acceleration, deceleration, distance, duration, and motion path of tongue movements. Using EPG, the pattern and amount of tongue-to-palate contact and the duration of the closure/constriction phase of each consonant produced were assessed. Timing disturbances in the TBI speaker's speech were highlighted in perceptual assessments in the form of prolonged phonemes and a reduced speech rate. EMA analysis revealed that the approach and release phase durations of the consonant productions were within normal limits. Kinematic strategies such as decreased velocity and decreased distances traveled by the tongue, however, may have counterbalanced each other to produce these appropriate results. EPG examination revealed significantly longer closure/constriction phase periods, which may have contributed to the prolonged phonemes and reduced speech rate observed. The implications of these findings for the development of treatment programs for dysarthria subsequent to TBI will be highlighted.