Somatosensory Basis of Speech Learning and Control

描述（由申请人提供）：这项工作的重点是在言语运动学习的体感功能。长期目标是了解躯体感觉和听觉信息如何整合到言语控制中，以及躯体感觉反馈本身如何有助于运动学习。这些研究从对运动学习的特异性的评价和对其躯体感觉基础的评估延伸到对躯体感觉对言语感知的影响的检查。一个共同的程序是通过整个-使用伺服控制的机器人机械手提供精确的机械扰动的下巴。令人惊讶的是，关于言语中的体感功能和一般的言语学习的工作很少。即使是言语运动学习的基本特性，如它的特异性和体感参与的程度，也在很大程度上未被探索，这些构成了本研究的基础。这些主题对于训练和康复的临床问题以及我们对语言运动控制机制的基本理解都是至关重要的。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): This work focuses on somatosensory function in speech motor learning. The long-term goal is to understand how somatosensory and auditory information are integrated in the control of speech and how somatosensory feedback on its own contributes to motor learning. The studies extend from an evaluation of the specificity of motor learning and an assessment of its somatosensory basis, to an examination of somatosensory influences on speech perception. A common procedure is adopted throughout - the use of a servo-controlled robotic manipulator to deliver precise mechanical perturbations to the jaw. There has been surprisingly little work on somatosensory function in speech and on speech learning in general. Even quite basic properties of speech motor learning such as its specificity and the extent of somatosensory involvement are largely unexplored and these form the basis of this research. These topics are central to clinical issues of training and rehabilitation as well to our basic understanding of the mechanisms of speech motor control.