Voice Assisted Technology Using Speech-to-text in a Case of Parkinson’s Disease: A Single Subject Design

Research Objectives: To investigate if voice assisted applications resulted in measurable communication improvement
To investigate if technology improves perceived communication function
To investigate if perceived improved communication function increases quality of life

Design: The study utilized an AB single subject design

Setting: This clinical study was conducted in the general community at the patient's home

Participants: The participant was a 76 year old female with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and reduced functional communication abilities

Interventions: 3 week baseline followed by 7 weeks of LSVT LOUD treatment, 2x weekly 60 minute sessions

Main Outcome Measures: Subject's self reported perceptions
LSVT LOUD Program Data
Speech to Text accuracy using predetermined phrases

Results: The AB design revealed a functional relationship between intensive voice intervention and improvement of speech-to-text accuracy. Subject’s self-report of gains in communication effectiveness using speech to text supported use of LSVT-LOUD intervention. The research was discontinued because the patient became ill and was hospitalized.

Conclusions: Voice-assisted technology improves communication function as loss of motor function interferes with typing out text messages. The benefit of technology for individuals with communication disorders is a support that should be assessed for improved communication function. Based on the documented and self-reported communication gains, anticipated benefits would be ongoing if treatment had been uninterrupted.

Author(s) Disclosures: No conflicts to disclose