Effects of Speech Therapy on Voice and Speech in Parkinson's After a 15-day Rehabilitation Course: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Speech and voice symptoms appear in approximately 65-74% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), however, only a limited part of these patients seems to be referred to speech therapy. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of a two-part, 15-day rehabilitation course on speech and voice function in PD. Methods: Daily speech therapy sessions were provided both individually and in groups. Six participants with PD, and their spouses, participated in the study. Speech samples were recorded and they were analysed perceptually and acoustically. Additionally, the participants completed the Voice Activity and Participation Profile (VAPP). The spouses filled in a version of the questionnaire where they evaluated their spouses’ voice limitations and activity and participation restrictions. Findings: The results of perceptual assessment showed that the voice quality improved significantly both in the reading and the spontaneous speech samples. Also, acoustic analysis showed that average fundamental frequency and vocal range increased in the measurements made three months postonset of treatment. In addition, the results from the VAPP showed that the quality of life improved. Conclusions: This study provides indications that the participants benefit from the rehabilitation course and further studies are needed to evaluate the effects of this type of rehabilitation.