Training Communication Partners to Improve Understanding of Speech in Adults with Parkinsons Disease and Dysarthria

What this Trial Is About

People with dysarthria caused by Parkinsons disease often have trouble being understood, which can lead to less participation in social situations and feelings of isolation. This trial evaluates listener training as a new approach to improve communication by helping the communication partners of people with Parkinsons better understand their speech. The study aims to fill a gap where many patients cannot benefit from traditional speech therapies due to cognitive or physical challenges. The trial compares listener training, where partners listen to audio phrases along with written transcriptions to improve their understanding of dysarthric speech, against a control condition involving speech without disorders. This behavioral intervention is delivered through individual audio and text exercises that focus on perceptual learning. The study uses a randomized, double-blind design to measure immediate and retained improvements in speech intelligibility and related communication benefits. Participants will be assessed multiple times, including before training, during training, immediately after, one week later, and one month later. Researchers will measure speech intelligibility, listening effort, comprehension, and communication participation. The study also involves interviews with patients and partners to understand how well the listener training works and how it can be applied in clinical settings. The total participation period includes these assessments and follow-ups over one month.

Listener Training for Improved Intelligibility of People With Parkinson's Disease