Stability of Motor Behavior Among Different Language Conditions

Purpose: This study examines the relationship between an individual's language and motor production abilities. Understanding the bidirectional influence between language and motor ability is important for understanding basic theoretical processes underlying assessment and treatment programs. This feasibility study examines whether physiologic measures can detect differences in motor behavior among productions of high- and low-frequency words and their non-word, same syllable, counterparts. Method: Participants produced ten repetitions of 8 high-frequency real-words and their 8 non-word counterparts, and 8 low-frequency real-words and their 8 non-word counterparts. The dependent physiologic variables included the stability of aerodynamic energy and the stability of intensity and frequency of the audio signal recorded during production of these speech samples. Aerodynamic energy was captured using an oral/nasal mask attached to a pneumotachometer and audio was recorded using a microphone. All three data streams were digitized onto a computer. Results: Statistical analysis will include a chi square comparison of high-frequency versus low-frequency and real-words versus their non-word counterpart, for predicting degree of stability among these dependent variables. Conclusion: Results of the experimental design will be discussed.