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Multidimensional Voice Assessment in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Study on Correlations Between Acoustic, Perceptual,
Ali Kaddour1, Kamel Ferrat2, Abdelwahhab Alili3
1Speech and Language Pathology, Tipaza University Center, Oued merzougu, Tipaza, Tipaza state, 42000 Algeria.
Objectives:
This study aimed to investigate correlations between acoustic voice quality index (AVQI) parameters, self-reported voice handicap (VHI-30), and auditory-perceptual assessments (GRBAS) in Algerian Arabic-speaking individuals with Parkinson's disease (IwPD), while identifying key predictors of voice-related handicap.
Study Design:
Cross-sectional observational study.
Methods:
Forty-four native Algerian Arabic dialect speakers with idiopathic PD underwent voice assessments, including audio recordings of sustained vowel phonation and continuous speech tasks. Acoustic analysis was performed using the six AVQI v03.01 parameters via Praat® (version 6.4.06). Self-reported and auditory-perceptual assessments were assessed, respectively, using the VHI-30 and the GRBAS scale (G-score). Statistical analyses included Spearman's rank-order correlations and multiple linear regressions to identify key predictors of voice-related handicap in this cohort of patients.
Results:
Significant correlations were observed between individual AVQI parameters and VHI-30 scores, with CPPs demonstrating the strongest inverse correlation with the total VHI-30 score (rs = -0.72, P < 0.01). Shimmer metrics exhibited positive associations with the total VHI-30 score (Shimmer dB: rs = 0.71, P < 0.05, Shimmer%: rs= 0.68, P < 0.05). LTAS tilt and HNR showed no statistically significant association with the total VHI-30. The regression model accounted for 72% of the variance in VHI-30 scores, with GRBAS scores (G-score) showing the strongest predictive value (β = +4.2, P < 0.001). Women reported significantly higher VHI scores than men (mean difference = 3.5 points, P = 0.02). No statistically significant associations were found for age or disease duration (P > 0.15).
Conclusion:
This pilot study highlights the multidimensional nature of voice impairment in a cohort of Algerian Arabic-speaking PD patients. The regression model substantially advances the understanding of key predictors of voice-related handicap in this cohort of patients. Collectively, acoustic, perceptual, and self-reported outcome measures merit systematic integration into comprehensive voice assessment protocols, as they hold potential utility for refining therapeutic decision-making and optimizing clinical management strategies for voice-related disorders in PD.
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