ACOUSTIC SPEECH MARKERS FOR TRACKING CHANGES IN HYPOKINETIC DYSARTHRIA ASSOCIATED WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Abstract
Previous research has identified certain overarching features of hypokinetic dysarthria
associated with Parkinson’s Disease and found it manifests differently between
individuals. Acoustic analysis has often been used to find correlates of perceptual
features for differential diagnosis. However, acoustic parameters that are robust for
differential diagnosis may not be sensitive to tracking speech changes. Previous
longitudinal studies have had limited sample sizes or variable lengths between data
collection. This study focused on using acoustic correlates of perceptual features to
identify acoustic markers able to track speech changes in people with Parkinson’s
Disease (PwPD) over six months. The thesis presents how this study has addressed
limitations of previous studies to make a novel contribution to current knowledge.
Speech data was collected from 63 PwPD and 47 control speakers using an online
podcast software at two time points, six months apart (T1 and T2). Recordings of a
standard reading passage, minimal pairs, sustained phonation, and spontaneous speech
were collected. Perceptual severity ratings were given by two speech and language
therapists for T1 and T2, and acoustic parameters of voice, articulation and prosody
were investigated. Two analyses were conducted: a) to identify which acoustic
parameters can track perceptual speech changes over time and b) to identify which
acoustic parameters can track changes in speech intelligibility over time. An additional
attempt was made to identify if these parameters showed group differences for
differential diagnosis between PwPD and control speakers at T1 and T2.
Results showed that specific acoustic parameters in voice quality, articulation and
prosody could differentiate between PwPD and controls, or detect speech changes
between T1 and T2, but not both factors. However, specific acoustic parameters within
articulation could detect significant group and speech change differences across T1 and
T2. The thesis discusses these results, their implications, and the potential for future
studies.