title: Effect of rate control on speech production and intelligibility in dysarthria.
abstract: The reported study investigated the effect of 7 rate control methods (RCM) on running speech intelligibility, speaking rate (SR), articulation rate (AR) and pause characteristics in 27 individuals with dysarthria. The data reveal that with the exception of slower on demand, each RCM resulted in lower mean SRs and ARs (p < 0.05). Clinically significant improvements in intelligibility were found in half of the participants with different types of dysarthria. The majority of them had normal or decreased ARs and SRs. The most effective methods were: alphabet board, hand tapping and pacing board. For the majority of speakers, the maximal decrease in speech rate was not associated with the maximal increase in intelligibility.
authors.affiliation: Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium. gwen.van.nuffelen@uza.be
authors.forename: Gwen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van Nuffelen
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: De Bodt
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vanderwegen
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Van de Heyning
authors.forename: Floris
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Wuyts
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001288:Attention; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015588:Observer Variation; D013065:Speech Intelligibility; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult