Objective: This study attempted to objectively analyze the acoustic characteristics of PD by using dynamic laryngoscope DIVAS2.5 acoustic analysis system and Praat acoustic software, and provide reference for the early diagnosis, disease prediction, comprehensive evaluation of dysarthria and the formulation of speech rehabilitation strategies of clinical PD.
Background: Dysarthria is one of the motor symptoms in the early stage of Parkinson’s disease, about 70%~90% of Parkinson’s disease patients may develop dysarthria in the early stage of the disease (1-2 years of disease course). The presence of dysarthria will lead to social dysfunction, which is an important factor for social isolation of PD patients. Studies sugguested that targeted speech rehabilitation training at the early stage of the PD can significantly improve the dyspronunciation of patients. Therefore, exploring the characteristics of dysarthria is of great significance, which is helpful for early diagnosis, disease monitoring and speech function rehabilitation of PD patients. Currently, there is Lacking of quantitative evaluation method of it. This study is based on acoustic analysis of continuous vowel pronunciation, aiming to provide reference for the early diagnosis, disease prediction, comprehensive evaluation of dysarthria and the formulation of speech rehabilitation strategies of clinical PD.
Method: In the current study, 34 patients and 31 healthy subjects were recruited to undergo a phonation test. DIVAS2.5 acoustic analysis software and Praat software were used to analyze the acoustic parameters difference between the two groups.
Results: The data revealed that patients with PD had significant differences of pronunciation characteristics. The voice spectrum of PD group showed attenuation of high-frequency pronunciation energy, irregular pronunciation and increased noise. The acoustic parameters of PD group suggusted the shorter maximum pronunciation time (MPT), worse DSI value, narrower range of sound intensity (SPLrng) and poorer vowel quality.
Conclusion: These pieces of evidence suggested that the analysis of pronunciation characteristics assists the early diagnosis of PD, and the DIVAS2.5 acoustic analysis software and Praat can be used to objectively evaluate dysarthria of PD patients.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
Y. Wen, X. Zou. Pronunciation characteristics of patients with Parkinson’s disease based on sustained vowel speech [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2022; 37 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/pronunciation-characteristics-of-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-based-on-sustained-vowel-speech/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to 2022 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/pronunciation-characteristics-of-patients-with-parkinsons-disease-based-on-sustained-vowel-speech/