Influence of lingual muscular strength on articulatory proficiency

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between lingual muscular strength (LMS) and articulatory proficiency in 45 normal and 45 lisping speakers utilizing a Lingual Force Scale designed specifically for this investigation. Results revealed that lispers exhibited significantly reduced LMS as compared to their matched controls. No significant differences in LMS between males and females with lisped speech, or between normal speaking males and females were found to exist at 5 age levels. Significant positive correlations were noted between age and LMS in both groups of subjects. In light of these findings, it might be suggested that lisping should not be viewed always as a purely functional disorder of the speech musculature.