Non-speech oro-motor exercises in post-stroke dysarthria intervention: a randomized feasibility trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Limited robust evaluation exists for speech and language therapy (SLT) interventions in post-stroke dysarthria.
• Non-speech oro-motor exercises (NSOMExs) are frequently incorporated into dysarthria treatment plans.
• A feasibility study was conducted to address these evaluation gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the operational feasibility of a novel SLT program.
• Gather participant perspectives on the intervention.
• Evaluate changes in speech intelligibility, communication effectiveness, and oro-motor movements.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-nine participants with post-stroke dysarthria were randomized into two groups.
• Intervention involved 8 home-based SLT sessions focusing on speech practice, with one group also receiving NSOMExs.
• Speech and motor function were assessed at four time points, pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The program demonstrated feasibility, with high participant satisfaction.
• Communication effectiveness, both self-rated and externally rated, showed significant improvement post-intervention and was maintained.
• No significant gains were observed in speech intelligibility or tongue/lip movement, potentially due to ceiling effects.

Conclusions:

• A short-term behavioral SLT intervention shows promise for improving communication in post-stroke dysarthria.
• The addition of NSOMExs did not appear to alter the observed outcomes.
• Findings support the need for larger, powered trials to confirm efficacy.