Ultrasound Visual Biofeedback Training for Speech Language Pathology Students: A Single Case Design

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of an ultrasound visual biofeedback (UVB) training on speech-language pathology (SLP) students’ assessment of sonographic tongue configuration. This study examined the presence of a functional relation between an ultrasound visual biofeedback (UVB) training within the Participatory Adult Teaching Strategy framework and speech-language pathology (SLP) students’ assessment of sonographic tongue configuration. Method: This study employed a multiple baseline, single-case design across participants and behaviors for data collection and analysis. Four graduate and three undergraduate level SLP students participated. Results: Percentage of goal obtained indicated that training was effective across participants and behaviors for teaching SLP students in the assessment of sonographic tongue shape for remediation of speech sound errors. Differences were found between undergraduate and graduate SLP students in the accuracy of assessment of sonographic tongue section configuration. Conclusions: The study establishes preliminary effectiveness of UVB training for SLP students. Although results demonstrate the effectiveness, special considerations should be applied when training graduate and undergraduate students in implementation of UVB training in order to accommodate knowledge and clinical experience differences between graduate and undergraduate students.