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Reference values of maximum performance tests of speech production.
Simone Knuijt1, Johanna Kalf1, Baziel Van Engelen2
1a Department of Rehabilitation , Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , the Netherlands.
International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|September 27, 2017
Summary
This study provides reference values for maximum speech performance tests in healthy adults. Age significantly impacts speech performance, with older adults showing reduced rates and ranges.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Neurology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Maximum performance tests assess speech motor limits, crucial for dysarthria assessment.
- The Radboud Dysarthria Assessment utilizes tests like maximum repetition rate and phonation time.
- Establishing normative data is essential for accurate pathological performance detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine reference values for key maximum performance tests.
- To provide benchmarks for speech-language pathologists assessing dysarthria.
- To analyze the influence of personal characteristics on speech performance.
Main Methods:
- 224 healthy Dutch adults (18-80 years) underwent maximum performance testing.
- Data collected included age, sex, height, smoking status, and profession.
- Multivariable linear regression analyzed relationships between characteristics and speech performance.
Main Results:
- Age negatively affected maximum repetition rate, fundamental frequency range, and volume in adults over 60.
- Below 60, age influenced women's fundamental frequency range (increase) and volume (decrease).
- Maximum phonation time correlated positively with body height.
Conclusions:
- Reference values for maximum performance tests are now available for clinical comparison.
- Age is the primary factor influencing maximum speech performance.
- These findings aid in differentiating pathological from non-pathological speech patterns.
