Improving speech treatment for Parkinson's disease using noise feedback
Understand Me for Life: Using Noise-augmented Automatic Speech Recognition to Improve Intelligibility in Parkinson's Disease
This study is testing if using noise feedback with speech technology can help people with Parkinson's disease speak more clearly and connect better with others.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Teachers College, Columbia University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT06540989 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine if noise-augmented feedback through automatic speech recognition can enhance speech intelligibility and social participation in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo initial speech assessments and engage in a self-managed speech treatment protocol at home, with some sessions supervised by a speech-language pathologist. The study includes multiple assessment sessions over approximately 7-8 months, focusing on measuring improvements in communication effectiveness and participation. The approach combines technology with personalized treatment to address speech challenges faced by patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50-80 with a medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and mild to moderate dysarthria.
Not a fit: Patients with atypical parkinsonism or other neurological conditions, or those who have had recent intensive voice treatment, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication abilities and social engagement for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of technology in speech treatment is gaining traction, this specific approach of noise-augmented feedback is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will qualify for the study if: * They are 50-80 years old, * They have a medical diagnosis of PD, * They are within stages I-IV of Hoehn \& Yahr Scale, * Their antiparkinsonian medication schedule is stable, * They present with mild to moderate dysarthria, * They score ≥ 25 in the MMSE, * They score ≤ 24 in the BDI-III. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded from the study if they: * Present with atypical parkinsonism at the time of screening (or other neurological condition), * Underwent neurosurgery treatment (DBS), * Received intensive voice-focused treatment less than three months prior to their involvement in the current study, * Present with any speech or voice pathology that is unrelated to PD.
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- Teachers College, Columbia University — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gemma Moya-Galé, Ph.D. — Teachers College, Columbia University
- Study coordinator: Gemma Moya-Galé, Ph.D.
- Email: gm2446@tc.columbia.edu
- Phone: 212-678-3323
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.