Evaluation of Vocal Fold Motion During Blocks in Adults Who Stutter

A study published in the International Archives of Communication Disorders explored vocal fold motion during stuttering blocks in adults who stutter. Using flexible fiberoptic endoscopy alongside airflow and acoustic measurements, the researchers analyzed 58 blocks in 12 adults.

The findings showed that blocks occurred with both glottal closure and glottal opening, and that vocal fold position varied not only across participants but also within the same individual.

Rather than pointing to one consistent laryngeal pattern, the study suggests that stuttering blocks may reflect disruptions in higher-level speech timing networks in the brain.

Understanding these mechanisms is important for advancing more precise, physiology-informed treatment approaches.

Read the full article here.

Reference:
Kikuchi Y, Umezaki T, Adachi K, Sawatsubashi M, Yamaguchi Y, et al. Evaluation of Vocal Fold Motion During Blocks in Adults Who Stutter. Int Arch Commun Disord. 2018;1:006.