Kinematic analysis of jaw function in children following traumatic brain injury.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To investigate jaw movements in children following traumatic brain injury (TBI) during speech using electromagnetic articulography (EMA). METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Jaw movements of two non-dysarthric children (aged 12.75 and 13.08 years) who had sustained a TBI were recorded using the AG-100 EMA system (Carstens Medizineletronik) during word-initial consonant productions. Mean quantitative kinematic parameters and coefficient of variation (variability) values were calculated and individually compared to the mean values obtained by a group of six control children (mean age 12.57 years, SD 1.52). MAIN OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: The two children with TBI exhibited word-initial consonant jaw movement durations that were comparable to the control children, with sub-clinical reductions in speed being offset by reduced distances. Differences were observed between the two children in jaw kinematic variability, with one child exhibiting increased variability, while the other child demonstrated reduced or comparable variability compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Possible sub-clinical impairments of jaw movement for speech were exhibited by two children who had sustained a TBI, providing insight into the consequences of TBI on speech motor control development.