Using the Kinesiograph to measure mandibular movements during speech: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Biomechanics
• Speech Science
• Dental Occlusion

Background:

• Understanding precise mandibular movement during speech is essential for diagnosing and treating occlusal dysfunction.
• Existing methods may lack the precision to capture the dynamic, three-dimensional nature of jaw motion during phonation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To pilot a method for measuring three-dimensional mandibular movement during speech using the Kinesiograph.
• To explore initial observations and trends related to mandibular dynamics in speech production.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Kinesiograph, a device capable of tracking mandibular motion in three dimensions.
• Recorded and analyzed mandibular movements during the production of specific speech sounds, focusing on the /s/ sound.

Main Results:

• The Kinesiograph proved to be an excellent tool for measuring three-dimensional mandibular movement.
• Speech sounds like /s/ are produced within a range of motion, not a fixed point.
• Inter-incisor distance during speech was consistently less than 1 mm across subjects.
• The functional angle of mandibular movement during speech correlated with the rest position angle, suggesting its importance.

Conclusions:

• Mandibular rest position is likely a key determinant of functional mandibular movement during speech.
• Three-dimensional Kinesiograph analysis offers a pathway to more precise understanding of mandibular function and occlusal relationships.
• This pilot study supports further clinical investigations into Kinesiograph-based speech analysis for occlusal dysfunction.