Hypokinetic Dysarthria in Parkinson's Disease: Assessment and Treatment Practices Among Algerian Speech-Language...

Assessment and treatment practices for hypokinetic dysarthria in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) remain largely inaccessible and understudied in African and Arabic countries.

This study investigates clinical practices of Algerian speech-language therapists (SLTs) in assessing and treating dysarthria in PwPD.

A cross-sectional online survey of Algerian SLTs was conducted between December 2024 and January 2025. Thirty-six SLTs completed the proposed questionnaire (88.8% women; mean age 32.7 ± 8.9 years). Data on demographics, assessment tools, treatment methods, and perceived challenges of the answers were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests (α = 0.05).

Most SLTs who completed the questionnaire were based in the northern region of the country (66.6%). They reported leaning on informal assessments (63.8%), prioritizing articulation (61.1%), self-assessment and speech rating (61.1%). Formal tools, such as acoustic analysis, appeared underused (36.1%). Non-evidence-based therapy dominated practice: articulatory muscle strengthening (77.7%), respiratory training (69.4%), and rehabilitation with a straw (61.1%). In contrast, evidence-based methods like the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) were rarely used (8.3% frequent use). SLTs with PhD degrees significantly favoured formal assessments (χ² = 25.3, p < 0.05) and evidence-based methods (χ² = 16.5, p < 0.05) compared to those with no PhD. Reported key barriers included inadequate training (83.3%), lack of dedicated tools (88.8%), and an inappropriate work environment (55.5%).

Our findings underline the crucial need for structured training programmes, integration of evidence-based therapies, and improvement of the work environment in terms of different tools. This study emphasizes the significant gaps that remain to be addressed in the provision of SLTs services to PwPD in Algeria.

What is already known on this subject Existing studies from high-income countries highlight variability in assessment and treatment practices of hypokinetic dysarthria in PwPD among SLTs, with underutilization of standardized tools. However, no data existed on clinical practices in Africa and Arabic-speaking contexts, where linguistic and resource constraints may uniquely shape rehabilitation approaches. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge This study reveals that Algerian SLTs predominantly rely on informal assessments (63.8%) and non-evidence-based therapy (e.g., articulatory muscle strengthening, 77.7%), while evidence-based methods like LSVT are rarely used (8.3%). Systemic barriers, including inadequate training (83.3%), lack of dedicated tools (88.8%), and limited workplace resources (55.5%), may explain these disparities. This is the first study to document Arabic-language challenges in dysarthria management in PwPD, advocating for linguistically adapted tools. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? These findings urge action to enhance SLTs training programmes in Algeria, by integrating evidence-based methods like LSVT into curricula and develop standardized Arabic-language assessment tools.