Quantification of Three Dimensional Tongue Motion During Speech Using zHARP

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Speech Science
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Understanding tongue motion is crucial for speech production.
• Existing MRI techniques for tongue motion are time-consuming and prone to artifacts.
• Magnetic resonance tagging (e.g., zHARP) offers potential for 3D motion tracking but faces challenges with speech data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and optimize the zHARP MRI technique for accurate 3D tongue motion and strain analysis during speech.
• To overcome challenges related to speech variability and motion artifacts in MRI.

Main Methods:

• Re-implemented and optimized the zHARP imaging sequence for tongue motion.
• Developed a specialized MRI triggering method synchronized with vocal repetitions.
• Validated the optimized method using a moving phantom.

Main Results:

• Successfully optimized zHARP for tongue motion analysis, reducing artifacts.
• Demonstrated effective 3D motion tracking and strain analysis of the tongue during speech.
• Validated the method's effectiveness through phantom experiments.

Conclusions:

• The optimized zHARP MRI technique provides an effective solution for analyzing 3D tongue motion and strain during speech.
• This advancement facilitates a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of speech production.
• The specialized triggering and synchronization methods enhance MRI applicability for dynamic speech analysis.