Tongue Body Kinematics in Parkinson’s Disease: Effects of Levodopa and Deep Brain Stimulation

Parkinsons Disease affects speech motor control, and standard treatment options include drug treatment with levodopa and surgical treatment with deep brain stimulation. This thesis investigates the effects of both treatment options on the kinematic, acoustic, and perceptual levels in the same group of speakers with Parkinsons disease.

Format: Hardback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 03 July 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

Parkinson's Disease is a neurological disorder that significantly impacts both the gross and speech motor control systems. While conventional treatment approaches typically involve drug therapy with levodopa and surgical intervention with deep brain stimulation (DBS), there is still limited understanding of how these treatments affect speech. This thesis aims to investigate the impact of levodopa and DBS on the kinematic, acoustic, and perceptual aspects of speech in a group of speakers with Parkinson's disease for the first time.

The kinematic analysis involves studying the movement patterns of the speech-producing organs, such as the tongue, lips, and jaw. It aims to assess how these movements are altered by Parkinson's disease and how different treatment options can modify them. The acoustic analysis focuses on examining the sound characteristics of speech, including pitch, volume, and tone. It seeks to understand how Parkinson's disease affects the production of speech sounds and how treatment interventions can improve or restore these characteristics. The perceptual analysis examines how individuals with Parkinson's disease perceive their speech and how different treatment options can impact their speech perception. It involves assessing the subjective experiences of speech clarity, intelligibility, and satisfaction among the participants.

To conduct this thesis, a group of speakers with Parkinson's disease will be recruited. They will undergo a comprehensive evaluation that includes clinical assessments, speech recordings, and perceptual tests. The participants will be divided into two groups: one group will receive levodopa treatment, while the other group will receive DBS treatment. The treatment duration and dosage will be standardized to ensure consistency across the groups.

The data collected from the participants will be analyzed using statistical methods such as t-tests, ANOVA, and mixed-effects models. The results will be interpreted in the context of previous research on speech therapy for Parkinson's disease and will provide valuable insights into the effects of levodopa and DBS on speech.

In conclusion, this thesis aims to investigate the impact of levodopa and DBS on the kinematic, acoustic, and perceptual aspects of speech in speakers with Parkinson's disease. By studying the movement patterns, sound characteristics, and subjective experiences of speech, we hope to gain a better understanding of how these treatment options can improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's disease. The findings of this thesis could have significant implications for the development of new speech therapy interventions and the optimization of existing treatment protocols.

Weight: 424g
Dimension: 219 x 157 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631898857
Edition number: New ed