Speech Study
Overview:
Electrical and chemical stimulation studies have identified the periaqueductal grey (PAG) region are involved in the neurogenesis of vocal activity. However, coherent speech also requires the complex integration of respiratory, laryngeal, pharyngeal and orofacial muscles.
Method:
Breathing Patterns
Various aspects of speech have been studies through many methods, such as the study of breathing patterns during speech. Non-invasive measurements of breathing patterns may be obtained using a MLT1132/D Piezo Respiratory Belt Transducer. The Respiratory Belt Transducer contains a piezo-electric device that responds linearly to changes in length. It measures changes in thoracic or abdominal circumference during respiration. These measurements can indicate inhalation, expiration and breathing strength, derive breathing rate and also used to characterize breathing patterns. The transducer is a solid-state device that requires no excitation and connects directly to a BNC on any PowerLab. It is comfortable to wear, rugged, reliable and washable. It is suitable for use on animals of various sizes (from cats to horses) as well as humans.
Speaking and Listening
Third party microphones (with an analog output) may be used in conjunction with our Audio Output Extension (Win and Mac) to record voices at sampling rates ≥ 20 kHz. To assist with investigations of the "Lombard Effect", researchers may expose the subject to "background noise" using MLA1250 Headphones and the Audio Output Extension. These headphones are high fidelity (high impedance stereo headphones) that are suitable for connection to the audio output of the ML132 Bio Amp, ML135 Dual Bio Amp, ML408 Dual Bio Amp/Stimulator and any PowerLab with a built-in Bio Amp.
Electroglottograph
PowerLab may also be used to record electroglottograph (EGG) signals using third-party EGG systems that have suitable analog outputs, ±10V (i.e. Glottal Enterprises, Laryngograph Ltd). EGG provides a non-invasive measurement of vocal cord vibration via the transmission of a small, high frequency current across the neck in the region of the vocal cords. The Peak Parameters Extension (Win and Mac) enables LabChart users to identify parameters such as EGG cycle width. The MLS320/7 QuickTime Capture Module (Mac only) module may be useful in synchronizing laryngeal stroboscopy images (Laryngograph Ltd) with physiological data obtained using PowerLab.
Animal Research
PowerLab systems are also ideal for animal research and allow researchers to record electromyographic (EMG) activity (i.e. diaphragm, genioglossus, laryngeal adductor). This may be done using needle electrodes or stainless steel wires with leads that terminate in alligator clips. These electrodes then connect to the PowerLab via the Animal Bio Amp. The LabChart software enables root mean square (RMS) calculation and offline or online integration of EMG activity.
Software:
LabChart
LabChart software (for Windows and Macintosh) combines the familiar simplicity of a traditional strip chart recorder with the powerful analysis features of a digital acquisition system. LabChart software and a PowerLab data acquisition unit provide data integrity, easy selection of hardware settings, powerful online and offline analysis, procedure automation, seamless extraction of experimental data and flexible display options. Acquisition and analysis capabilities can be further increased with LabChart Extensions and LabChart Modules. LabChart Modules are available as part of LabChart Pro and LabChart Extensions are free for download from the website for existing LabChart users.
The Audio Output LabChart Extension features:
- Online sound playback, so data can be played as sound as it is sampled
- Amplitude to frequency conversion, allowing the frequency of the audio output to vary depending on the amplitude of the original signal
Video Capture Module (Win & Mac)
The MLS320/7 Video Capture Module may be useful in synchronizing laryngeal stroboscopy images (Laryngograph Ltd) with physiological data obtained using PowerLab data acquisition unit.
- Synchronize simultaneous recording and playback of LabChart data and a QuickTime movie
- Provides various movie capture options
- Two standard QuickTime settings
- Video and/or audio
- Movie size
- Hard disk space allocation
- Provides a preview window for the initial setting of image quality
- Provides easy navigation data or movie frames
- Movie Marker feature
- Set Movie Position
GLP and 21 CFR Part 11
For those researchers working within a laboratory requiring GLP and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance the GLP Client and GLP Server are available for use with LabChart (Windows only) and PowerLab data acquisition systems. For more information, visit the Good Laboratory Practice application page or contact your nearest ADInstruments representative.
Hardware:
PowerLab Data Acquisition Systems
The PowerLab is a high-performance data acquisition unit capable of recording at speeds of up to 400,000 samples per second continuously to disk (aggregate). PowerLab units are compatible with instruments, signal conditioners and transducers supplied by ADInstruments, as well as many other third-party companies. In addition to standard single-ended BNC inputs, 4 differential Pod ports are also available for direct connection of Pod signal conditioners and appropriate transducers. Research PowerLab units include:
- PL3504 PowerLab 4/35 - 4 Channels
- PL3508 PowerLab 8/35 – 8 Channels
- PL3516 PowerLab 16/35 – 16 Channels
Respiratory Belt Transducers
- MLT1132 Piezo Respiratory Belt Transducer
- MLT1132/D Piezo Respiratory Belt Transducer (DIN)
- MLT1133 Piezo Respiratory Belt Transducer (MR) – MRI Safe
Headphones
Bio Amplifiers
The following ADInstruments' biological amplifiers are fully isolated for connection to human or animal subjects:
- A single channel, differential amplifier that is suitable for recording a range of biopotentials including Lead I, Lead II or Lead III ECG
- Supplied with a MLA2340 3 Lead Shielded Bio Amp Cable
- Supplied with MLA2503 Shielded Lead Wires (3 snap-on)
- A dual channel, differential amplifier that is suitable for recording 2 independent biopotentials that share a common ground. In ECG recordings, any two of Lead I, Lead II or Lead III configurations can be recorded
- Supplied with an MLA2540 5 Lead Shielded Bio Amp Cable
- Supplied with MLA2505 Shielded Lead Wires (5 snap-on)
- A dual channel, differential amplifier that also includes an isolated stimulator suitable for mild electrical stimulation of human subjects (i.e. Evoked EMG studies).
- Supplied with an MLA2540 5 Lead Shielded Bio Amp Cable
- Supplied with MLA2505 Shielded Lead Wires (5 snap-on)
- Supplied with MLADDB30 Recording Bar Electrode
- A differential amplifier that consists of eight electrically isolated differential input AC amplifiers
- A shared ground connection across all eight inputs.
- Supplied with two packets of MLA0310 Lead Wires (1.8 m, 10 snap on)
- A fully isolated, 16 channel stand-alone biological amplifier that consists of 8 modules, with each module containing two channel amplifiers that share a common ground input
- Electrodes are NOT supplied and must be ordered separately
- Suitable electrodes and lead wires include the:
- MLAWBT9 Flat EEG Electrodes for recording ECG, EEG, EOG and EMG
- MLA0315 Lead Wires (unshielded, 5 snap on)
- MLA1010B Disposable ECG Electrodes
Accessories
Bio Amp cables:
- MLA1340 3 Unshielded Lead Bio Amp Cable
- MLA1540 5 Unshielded Lead Bio Amp Cable
- MLA2340 3 Shielded Lead Bio Amp Cable
- MLA2540 5 Shielded Lead Bio Amp Cable
Leads compatible with both shielded (MLA2340 & MLA2540) and unshielded (MLA1340 & MLA1540) cables:
- MLA1505 Unshielded Lead Wires (5 alligator clip)
- MLA0311 Unshielded Lead Wires (1 m, 10 Snap on)
- MLA0310 Unshielded Lead Wires (1.8 m, 10 snap on)
- MLA1203 Needle Electrodes (29 gauge, 5)
Leads compatible with shielded cables (MLA2340 & MLA2540) only:
- MLA1605 Shielded Lead Wires (5 alligator clip, 25 cm)
- MLA1610 Shielded Lead Wires (5 Micro-Hooks)
- MLA1615 Shielded Lead Wires (5 Alligator Clip, 100 cm)
Leads that directly connect to the Dual Bio Amp:
- MLA1515 Bio Cable - Animal use only (Dual Bio to 5 Alligator, 1 m)
Leads that directly connect to the Animal Bio Amp:
Electrodes:
Effect of Facemask Use on Respiratory Patterns of Women in Speech and Singing
Collyer S and Davis P.J., Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research (Journal of Speech and Hearing Research), 412-423, 2006
Oral breathing challenge in participants with vocal attrition
M Sivasankar and K V Fisher, Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research (Journal of Speech and Hearing Research), 1416-1427, 2003
Lateralization of Dichotic Speech Stimuli is Based on Specific Auditory Pathway Interactions: Neuromagnetic Evidence
Della Penna S., Brancucci A, Babiloni C, Franciotti R, Pizzella V., Rossi1 D., Torquati K.,Rossini P.M. and Luca Romani G., Cerebral Cortex, 2303-2311, 2007
The material on this page is provided in good faith and believed accurate at the time of writing. No responsibility will be taken, or liability accepted, for damages arising from the use of information herein. Readers are urged to check with respective manufacturers the accuracy of all product related information.
