A Rating Scale for Evaluations of Video Tape Recorded X-Ray Studies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe a rating scale technique for use in the analysis of video tape data. At the present time video tape cannot be played at slow speeds or frame by frame. Therefore, the better known methods for reducing cineradiographic data to quantitative results are not appropriate for analysis of video tape recorded information. The rating scale provides one means of evaluating speech structures and their relation— ship to each other during speech. History of Technique Investigation of speech structures by means of X-ray images has been possible since shortly after the discovery of roentgen rays in 1895. The use— fulness of the technique was limited by factors such as exposure of patients to radiation, difficulty with methods of analysis, and numerous problems in synchronization of sound with the visually recorded image. In addition, there were problems in obtaining clearly defined x-ray images of soft tissue and bony structures on the same film and both types of tissue were important in studying speech. Early x-ray studies of speech behavior attempted to solve this problem of tissue definition by placing a metal chain along the midline of the tongue to aid in visualizing it. Such procedures, however, were considered to interfere with the production of speech sounds, and the information gained from these studies had to be interpreted with caution. In spite of such limitations, radiographic techniques have been extremely helpful in observing the structures used for speaking. These techniques made it possible to acquire knowledge that might otherwise have remained inaccessible. Improvements in radiographic techniques have developed rapidly. Today, less than 70 years since X rays were identified, numerous radiographic procedures are in use. Television tape recording of fluoro-scopic images is one of the most recent developments. The system employed