The majority of patients with neurological impairment like Parkinson's Disease (PD) or stroke are affected by dysarthria. Dysarthria is a motor speech impairment which negatively affects speech dimensions such as articulation and loudness. This leads to reduced intelligibility, often hindering daily life communication. Intensive and prolonged speech training can increase patients’ speech intelligibility. Unfortunately, interventions by speech therapists are generally provided only for a short period of time, while continuing practice is needed to maintain or improve intelligibility. eHealth applications might provide a solution. In our research, we explored whether it is possible to develop a game that is suitable for providing speech training in elderly patients with dysarthria due to PD or stroke. In the game, we developed, called Treasure Hunters, two players interact verbally to find the way to the treasure, while receiving automatic feedback on voice loudness and pitch. Participants played with our game in several sessions and generally appreciated it, hinting at our game's potential for speech training in elderly patients. In a within‐subjects experiment with five dysarthric patients, our game was compared to a non‐game computer‐based speech training system: e‐learning‐based Speech Therapy (EST). We focussed on three variables: speech intelligibility, user satisfaction and user preference. Substantial variability between participants was observed, in the outcomes of these three variables and their relations. We conclude that ”one size that fits all” does not apply to computer‐based speech training, but a personalised approach is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speech training for neurological patients using a serious game

Communication changes are an important feature of Parkinson's and include both motor and nonmotor features. This chapter will cover briefly the motor features affecting speech production and voice function before focusing on the nonmotor aspects. A description of the difficulties experienced by people with Parkinson's when trying to communicate effectively is presented along with some of the assessment tools and therapists' treatment options. The idea of clinical heterogeneity of PD and subtyping patients with different communication problems is explored and suggestions are made on how this may influence clinicians' treatment methods and choices so as to provide personalized therapy programmes. The importance of encouraging and supporting people to maintain social networks, employment, and leisure activities is stated as the key to achieving sustainability. Finally looking into the future, the emergence of new technologies is seen as providing further possibilities to support therapists in the goal of helping people with Parkinson's to maintain good communication skills throughout the course of the disease.

Speech, Voice, and Communication.

Einsatz von Sprachverarbeitungstechnologien in der Logopädie und Sprachtherapie

This paper presents a systematic literature review of published studies on AI-based automated speech therapy tools for persons with speech sound disorders (SSD). The COVID-19 pandemic has initiated the requirement for automated speech therapy tools for persons with SSD making speech therapy accessible and affordable. However, there are no guidelines for designing such automated tools and their required degree of automation compared to human experts. In this systematic review, we followed the PRISMA framework to address four research questions: 1) what types of SSD do AI-based automated speech therapy tools address, 2) what is the level of autonomy achieved by such tools, 3) what are the different modes of intervention, and 4) how effective are such tools in comparison with human experts. An extensive search was conducted on digital libraries to find research papers relevant to our study from 2007 to 2022. The results show that AI-based automated speech therapy tools for persons with SSD are increasingly gaining attention among researchers. Articulation disorders were the most frequently addressed SSD based on the reviewed papers. Further, our analysis shows that most researchers proposed fully automated tools without considering the role of other stakeholders. Our review indicates that mobile-based and gamified applications were the most frequent mode of intervention. The results further show that only a few studies compared the effectiveness of such tools compared to expert Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP). Our paper presents the state-of- the-art in the field, contributes significant insights based on the research questions, and provides suggestions for future research directions.

/pdf/ai-based-automated-speech-therapy-tools-for-persons-with-34yk9004.pdf

AI-Based Automated Speech Therapy Tools for persons with Speech Sound Disorders: A Systematic Literature Review

Within a collaborative effort of technicians, speech therapists and psychologists “ISi-Speech” has been developed as an Internet-based speech-training tool. This tool aims at improving the speech of people with degenerative neurological impairments such as acquired dysarthria in, for example, Parkinson’s Disease. ISi-Speech is characterized by a theory based design of training elements which take specific challenges in speech therapy as well as motivational elements into account. To ensure acceptance and long-time usage of a training system members of the target group have been involved in the design and formative evaluation process at various times in the project. Specifically, we focus on accessibility as one elementary factor of technology acceptance. Based upon the concept of the Universal-Design and Web-Accessibility-Guidelines 2.0 we implemented accessibility requirements that will be introduced and discussed in this paper.

The Role of Accessibility for Acceptance and Usage of an Internet-Based Speech Intervention

New technology promises high potential for empowerment and training in the health area. Effectiveness of training, however, is based upon realiable and frequent usage of technology. To achieve this goal we propose an approach based upon psychological models of motivation, namely self- determination theory. Using the example of patients with acquired speech motor impairments as dysarthria due to Parkinson's disease, we outline design strategies for tailored and adaptive technology that is embedded in speech therapy and allows for autonomous usage. "ISi-Speech" profits from an inter- disciplinary team of technicians, speech therapists and psychologists who were recently funded by the German ministry of Education and Research to build a digital training system for treatment of dysarthria. End users will be involved into design and formative evaluation processes.

Developing a Technology-Based Speech Intervention for Acquired Dysarthria A Psychological Approach

New technology promises high potential for empowerment and training in the health area. Effectiveness of training, however, is based upon realiable and frequent usage of technology. To achieve this goal we propose an approach based upon psychological models of motivation, namely self-determination theory. Using the example of patients with acquired speech motor impairments as dysarthria due to Parkinson’s disease, we outline design strategies for tailored and adaptive technology that is embedded in speech therapy and allows for autonomous usage. “ISi-Speech” profits from an interdisciplinary team of technicians, speech therapists and psychologists who were recently funded by the German ministry of Education and Research to build a digital training system for treatment of dysarthria. End users will be involved into design and formative evaluation processes.

Developing a Technology-Based Speech Intervention for Acquired Dysarthria

Speech impairment like dysarthria poses a major risk to participation in society due to reduced speech intelligibility. This paper focuses on the ongoing development of the technology-based pilot training system, ISi-Speech, for treatment of dysarthria incorporating automatic speech recognition, a psychological model of motivation and evidence-based exercises.

Juliane Muehlhaus

Papers

Developing a Technology-Based Speech Intervention for Acquired Dysarthria A Psychological Approach

Developing a Technology-Based Speech Intervention for Acquired Dysarthria

ISi-Speech: A Digital Training System for Acquired Dysarthria.