Real-time MRI of fluent and stuttered speech
Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder which is known since antiquity. Its neurological core gradually uncovers due to modern imaging techniques of brain structure and function. Here we exploited recent advances toward real-time MRI to analyze movements of articulatory muscles generating speech. In particular, the method for the first time offers a close look on what happens with inner and outer articulators during stuttered speech. This will improve our understanding of dysfunctional muscles and irregular movement patterns during speech dysfluencies. This novel technical approach could even have a place in therapy where speech patterns overcoming speech dysfluencies could be better rehearsed and trained because of immediate visual feedback.