Evaluating a Speech-Specific and a Computerized Step-Training-Specific Rhythmic Intervention in Parkinson's Disease:...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Movement Disorders
• Rehabilitation Therapy

Background:

• Parkinson's Disease (PD) is associated with impaired speech and gait, potentially due to a common rhythmic dysfunction.
• Rhythmic interventions may offer a unified approach to address these motor deficits in PD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of two distinct rhythmic interventions on speech and gait parameters in PD patients.
• To compare the efficacy of rhythmic speech-language therapy (rSLT) versus rhythmic balance-mobility training (rBMT).

Main Methods:

• A single-blind, cross-over, parallel multi-arms intervention trial involving PD patients and healthy controls (HC).
• Participants received either rSLT (N=16), rBMT (N=10), or no therapy (NT; N=18).
• Speech and gait velocity and cadence were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months.

Main Results:

• Positive correlations were observed between speech and gait parameters across all groups.
• Rhythmic intervention groups (rSLT and rBMT) demonstrated significant improvements compared to the NT group.
• The rSLT group showed performance comparable to HC in speech rhythm and respiration at 4 weeks and 6 months.

Conclusions:

• Speech and gait deficits in PD may stem from shared underlying cortical circuit mechanisms.
• Rhythmic speech-language therapy (rSLT) appears more beneficial for dysrhythmic PD patients than rBMT, likely due to the specific rhythmic cueing.