Comparison of Speech and Language Therapy Techniques for Speech Problems in Parkinson's Disease
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Herd, C. P., Tomlinson, C. L., et al. (2012).
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8, CD002814.
This systematic review compares the effects of novel speech and language treatments to standard speech and language treatments on Parkinsonian speech problems in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
Cochrane Collaboration; City Hospital NHS Trust (United Kingdom); Cochrane Centre (United Kingdom); NHS Research and Development Programme (United Kingdom); The Royal Society (United Kingdom); Pharmacia Upjohn; Chief Scientist Office (United Kingdom)
1980-2011
Randomized controlled trials
6
<div>Preliminary findings from two studies suggest that Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) improved loudness and monotonicity more than respiratory therapy. LSVT-LOUD showed greater improvements in loudness and intelligibility compared to LSVT-ARTIC.</div>
<div>The was limited evidence supporting the use of LSVT-LOUD over respiration therapy and LSVT-ARTIC for people with PD. There was also limited evidence supporting the non-inferiority of online delivery of LSVT compared with traditional face-to-face delivery of the same techniques. Larger trials are required to confirm these findings.</div>
<div>Preliminary findings from two studies support the non-inferiority of online delivery of LSVT compared to traditional face-to-face delivery for improving voice outcomes for adults with voice disorders secondary to PD.</div>
<div>Based on the small number of studies and participants, the authors concluded that "there is insufficient evidence to support the use of one form of [speech and language treatment] SLT over another for the treatment of speech problems in individuals with Parkinson's disease" (p. 2). A number of interventions were compared, including respiratory therapy, standard and modified Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, prosodic exercises, rate reduction techniques and use of biofeedback. Further research is warranted.</div>
<div>Preliminary findings suggest that the use of an altered auditory feedback in-ear device improved rate of articulation compared to traditional speech therapy. However, greater improvements in intelligibility were not found.</div>
