Pressure-Based Interactive Training System

The long-term goal is to develop a commercially available product which, by transducing force sensed from oral structures or other body parts, can provide diagnostic and therapeutic information for conditions arising from motor impairment, particularly speech disorders. The aims of the Phase I project are (1) to develop interactive software to interface with the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI+) for the purpose of examining relationships between control of articulation force and speech intelligibility in several clinical populations, (2) to test the feasibility of modifying behavior with an interactive, biofeedback training program for selected communication-disordered populations, and (3) to develop a multi-sensor tongue bulb. Dysarthric children and adults will be studied. To evaluate the validity of the interactive software/IPOI+ system, Phase II will extend the expected use of the IOPI+ software to other communication-disordered populations, persons with swallowing disorders, and persons who are physically challenged by poor motor control of the arms and hands.