Effect of rate control on speech production and intelligibility in dysarthria.
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.
Van Nuffelen
Gwen
G
Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium. gwen.van.nuffelen@uza.be
De Bodt
Marc
M
Vanderwegen
Jan
J
Van de Heyning
Paul
P
Wuyts
Floris
F
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