Citations

PurposeTo review the principles of neural plasticity and make recommendations for research on the neural bases for rehabilitation of neurogenic speech disorders.MethodA working group in speech motor control and disorders developed this report, which examines the potential relevance of basic research on the brain mechanisms involved in neural plasticity and discusses possible similarities and differences for application to speech motor control disorders. The possible involvement of neural plasticity in changes in speech production in normalcy, development, aging, and neurological diseases and disorders was considered. This report focuses on the appropriate use of functional and structural neuroimaging and the design of feasibility studies aimed at understanding how brain mechanisms are altered by environmental manipulations such as training and stimulation and how these changes might enhance the future development of rehabilitative methods for persons with speech motor control disorders.ConclusionsIncreased collaboration with neuroscientists working in clinical research centers addressing human communication disorders might foster research in this area. It is hoped that this article will encourage future research on speech motor control disorders to address the principles of neural plasticity and their application for rehabilitation.

PurposeTo review the content and psychometric characteristics of 6 published tests currently available to aid in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of motor speech disorders in children.MethodWe compared the content of the 6 tests and critically evaluated the degree to which important psychometric characteristics support the tests' use for their defined purposes.ResultsThe tests varied considerably in content and methods of test interpretation. Few of the tests documented efforts to support reliability and validity for their intended purposes, often when relevant information was probably available during the test’s development.ConclusionsProblems with the reviewed tests appear related to overly broad plans for test development and inadequate attention to relevant psychometric principles during the development process. Recommendations are offered for future test revisions and development efforts that can benefit from recent research in test development and in pediatric motor speech disorders.