Voice Assisted Technology as a tool for speech problems in Parkinson's Disease and related conditions: a scoping review: English

Background: People with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s Disease may have speech and voice difficulties impacting volume, speech clarity and intelligibility. Voice assisted technology, (like Alexa™) poorly recognises speech difficulties and prompts people to change their speech to enable interaction.

Aims: This study aims to identify literature regarding the utilization of voice assisted technology to address speech and voice difficulties associated with neurological conditions. We explore: (1) voice assisted technology recognition of speech difficulties or dysarthric speech, and (2) the impact of using voice assisted technology on intelligibility, clarity, or volume for people with dysarthria or speech difficulties.

Methods and Procedures: A review of available literature was guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) scoping review framework in 2023. Five electronic databases were systematically searched, yielding 840 results, before screening and data extraction. Outcomes were narratively reviewed. Findings are reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR).

Outcomes and Results: Five papers were reviewed to include dysarthria, stammering and reduced intelligibility. Results indicate limited evidence regarding the role of voice assisted technology for assessment in speech and language therapy (SLT). Voice assisted technology holds promise as a SLT management tool to improve volume, clarity and intelligibility of speech, with implications for participation and wellbeing.

Conclusions and Implications: This review provides tentative conclusions that voice assisted technology may improve volume, intelligibility and clarity of speech for people with dysarthria or speech difficulties. This technology has potential as a SLT tool to aid self-management and maintenance.

Relevance to conference
This research indicates that cross disciplinary partnerships are vital to advance how voice assisted technology, like Alexa and Google Home, can be used therapeutically in speech and language therapy.

Combining the knowledge of computer science and allied health, may contribute to more timely management of dysarthrophonia in Parkinson’s Disease, which is known to worsen over time. This may facilitate home based healthcare, which is both personalised and accessible, and mitigates long waitiling lists in Northern Ireland.