The regulated-breathing method for stuttering: an experimental evaluation.

Area of Science:

• Speech and Language Pathology
• Behavioral Therapy

Background:

• The regulated-breathing method by Azrin and Nunn (1974) is a promising stuttering treatment.
• Previous studies had methodological limitations, including lack of operational definitions and reliance on self-report measures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To experimentally evaluate the efficacy of the regulated-breathing method for adult stuttering.
• To address methodological limitations of prior research on this stuttering intervention.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-two adult stuttering subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group.
• The treatment involved a single 2-3 hour session of regulated-breathing technique.
• Speech fluency measures (stuttering frequency, speech rate) were assessed pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 2, 3, and 8-month follow-ups under reading and spontaneous speech conditions.

Main Results:

• The treatment group showed significantly reduced stuttering frequency at the 8-month follow-up compared to the control group.
• Stuttering frequency in the treatment group was also significantly lower than pre-treatment levels at the 8-month mark.
• Speech rate and other fluency measures also indicated improvements, though not explicitly detailed in the abstract.

Conclusions:

• The regulated-breathing method is an effective intervention for reducing stuttering in adults.
• The positive effects of this speech therapy are sustained for at least 8 months post-treatment.
• This study provides a more rigorous evaluation of a key stuttering treatment technique.