Technological Interventions in Stuttering: A Systematic Review
Technology & Disability
Chaudhary, C., John, S., et al. (2022).
Technology & Disability, 34(4), 201-222.
This systematic review investigates the effects of technological interventions on dysfluency in individuals with developmental stuttering.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (India)
1990 to January 10, 2020
Peer-reviewed journal articles
59
<div>Ten studies investigated the effects of telehealth interventions and found reduction in stuttering frequency after treatment. Interventions used included the Lidcombe or Camperdown program (or modified versions of these programs). Findings were mixed as to whether teletherapy took longer than face-to-face intervention. Interventions were successful when delivered synchronously or asynchronously. In children under 5 years of age, the Lidcombe program was the only telehealth intervention investigated.</div>
<div>Biofeedback interventions have been studied in clinical settings. Findings for the use of electromyography biofeedback were mixed, and none reported on the effects of this approach in the long-term. One study found positive results for the use of a modified phonation interval program to reduce stuttering frequency, with results generalizing to non-treatment conditions.</div>
<div>Two studies of virtual reality showed positive outcomes for generalizing fluency to real-world environments.</div>
<div>Most studies showed positive outcomes for the use of video self-modeling for maintenance of fluency in non-clinical environments.</div>
<div>Most studies showed altered auditory feedback (e.g., delayed auditory feedback or frequency altered feedback) was successful to increase fluency; although, results varied by participant.</div>
<div>Most studies found that standalone, clinician-free, software programs have been effective to improve fluency or associated concerns such as anxiety for individuals who cannot attend regular treatment.</div>
