Initial research has found that voice-assisted technology encourages positive speaking behaviours in Parkinson's patients who use it.

Speech impairment is a common condition found in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. However, an early study between Monash University and Ulster University revealed that voice-assisted technologies such as Google Home and Amazon Alexa could enhance early language therapy to support people with speech disabilities.

The study included a survey of 290 participants from the United Kingdom with Parkinson’s disease, and 79% found that they and others noticed changes in speech and voice due to symptoms of their condition. Is shown.

The study showed that 90% own voice-assisted devices, 71% use them on a regular basis, and 31% use this technology to address Parkinson’s disease-related needs. It also shows that there is.

Nearly 55% of the 166 users said they rarely or at all need to repeat when using voice-assisted technology. When asked about changes in speech since they started using the device, 25% of participants noticed that they didn’t need to repeat it often, and 15% felt that their speech was clearer.

Some of the specific feedback from participants included the use of voice-assisted technologies that encourage positive speaking, such as “speak slowly and clearly” and “speak loudly.”

“Voice-assisted technology has been accepted by many and at home, not only from a general everyday perspective, but also in the form of helping people with language disabilities, as research shows.” Said Orla Duffy, a speech language therapy instructor.

“Voice-assisted technology now has the added benefit of supporting future treatments, serving as a useful tool for speech therapists and speech therapists, and already existing at the patient’s home. “

Researchers acknowledged that further research is needed to try out ready-to-use voice assistive technologies, but said the first findings pointed a step in the right direction.

Roisin McNaney, a senior lecturer in the Department of Human-Centered Computing at Monash University’s School of Information Technology, said the study showed how devices can help support future speech therapy outcomes.

“Early speech therapy and speech therapy interventions are important to address communication problems associated with Parkinson’s disease, but only 59% of people with Parkinson’s disease in Australia regularly contact therapists. “She said.

“Limiting access to clinical services and speech therapy is a major concern and we hope to address it through this study.

“Voice-assisted speech therapists in the clinical setting to assist patients by presenting their first findings on how speech-assisted technology can support speech therapy in patients with Parkinson’s disease and the outcomes of speech therapy. We hope we can promote future use of the technology. “

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