Comparison of methods for measuring velar position from lateral-view cineradiography.

The purpose of this experiment was to compare methods of measuring velar position during speech movements from lateral-view cineradiographic films. Specifically, correlations were calculated between measurements from a radiopaque marker sutured to the oral surface of the velum and three velar measurements that do not involve a radiopaque marker. As the correlations with the marker measurements were relatively high, it is concluded that experimenters may be free to choose any of the measurement procedures. The attachment of radiopaque markers to the velum does not appear necessary for obtaining a reliable and valid estimate of velar movements during speech.