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Improving speech in individuals with Parkinson's disease
What is it about?
Nearly 90% of individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) will develop speech disorders that often diminish quality of life. One of the earliest and most common problems is reduced vocal loudness which makes individuals difficult to hear and understand. This was the first speech research to compare two forms of intensive speech treatment specifically designed to improve reduced vocal loudness in PD: 1) one treatment focused on improving respiratory support for speech and 2) the other focused on improving voice. Forty-five individuals with PD participated in 16 sessions of treatment in one month. Greater improvements were measured for individuals who participated in the treatment focusing on voice.
Why is it important?
This study provided the first evidence that intensive speech treatment focusing on voice could make significant improvements in speech in PD. Furthermore, this study was the first to implement a randomized control trial (RCT) design (the gold standard of evidence) to address a critical and challenging problem for the PD community. In addition to the measures of speech and voice, patient and family reports were positive as demonstrated in the video provided below (See Resources: Pre and post speech therapy video).