A systematic case study is presented in which eight chronic adult stutterers underwent an electromyographic (EMG) biological feedback training program designed to reduce masseter muscle tension in an effort to improve fluency. All subjects mastered the program within 10 30-min. sessions. Measures of muscle tension and fluency indicated improvements at the end of treatment that were maintained at 3- to 6-mo. follow-up.
References
1.
BrownB.Stress and the art of biofeedback. New York: Harper & Row, 1977.
2.
GuitarB.Reduction of stuttering frequency using analog electromyographic feedback. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 1975, 18, 672–685.
3.
HannaR.WilflingF., & McNeillB.A biofeedback treatment for stuttering. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 1976, 40, 270–273.
4.
JacobsonE.Progressive relaxation. Chicago: Univer. of Chicago Press, 1939.
5.
KalotkinM.ManschreckT. C., & O'BrienD.Electromyographic tension levels in stutterers and normal speakers. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1979, 49, 109–110.
6.
LanyonR.BarringtonC., & NewmanA.Modification of stuttering through EMG biofeedback: A preliminary study. Behavior Therapy, 1976, 7, 96–103.
7.
LegewieH.ClearyP., & RackenspergerP.EMG recording and biofeedback in the diagnosis and therapy of stuttering: A case study. European Journal of Behavioral Analysis and Modification, 1975, 2, 133–136.
8.
ManschreckT.The clinical management of stuttering. In ManschreckT. C.MurrayG. B., & KuehnleJ. C. (Eds.), Psychiatric medicine update: Massachusetts General Hospital Reviews for Physicians. New York: Elsevier-North Holland, 1979. Pp. 163–177.
9.
RileyG.A stuttering severity instrument for children and adults. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 1972, 37, 314–322.
10.
RosenbergerP.WheeldenJ., & KalotkinM.The effects of haloperidol on stuttering. American Journal of Psychiatry, 1976, 133, 331–334.
11.
WilliamsD.Masseter muscle action potentials in stuttered and nonstuttered speech. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 1955, 20, 424–461.
12.
WingateM.A standard definition of stuttering. Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 1964, 29, 484–489.
