Physiological and neurophysiological assessment of lip and tongue function for speech in multiple sclerosis [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Bruce Murdoch (Principal investigator) ,  Brooke-Mai Whelan ,  Deborah Falla ,  Dr Justine Goozee ,  Prof Richard Carson

Brief description Speech difficulties are commonly experienced by people with multiple sclerosis (MS) and can have a devastating, restrictive effect on social interactions, work and education opportunities, ultimately reducing quality of life. Research has shown that a major factor underlying impaired speech in MS is disturbed functioning of the structures that articulate speech, particularly the tongue and lips. In order to effectively treat these speech disturbances, it is imperative that the nature and severity of the tongue and lip impairments be identified, so that specific treatment methods can be employed to directly target those impairments. The present project will use state-of-the-art technology to track and record movements of the tongue and lips during speech and to investigate how well the neural command pathways leading from the brain to the lip and tongue muscles are functioning in persons with MS. The results of the study will direct the development of more specific and effective speech therapy procedures that will empower persons with MS with intelligible speech.

Funding Amount $AUD 356,250.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant