Dysarthria
Conditions
Brief summary
The research focuses on the development of a dual-language (Urdu and English) digital software designed for the self-assessment and management of adult dysarthria patients. Dysarthria, a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury, significantly affects an individual's ability to communicate effectively.
Detailed description
Current assessment tools are often clinician-dependent and predominantly available in English, limiting accessibility for non-English speakers, especially in Pakistan and other Urdu-speaking regions. This study aims to bridge that gap by creating a user-friendly, culturally relevant, and linguistically accessible software platform. The software will enable adult dysarthric patients to monitor their speech abilities, track progress, and participate more actively in their therapy process. It is expected to enhance patient autonomy, improve communication outcomes, and support speech-language pathologists in delivering more efficient care. The dual-language interface ensures broader usability, promoting inclusion and better engagement among diverse user groups in bilingual settings.
Interventions
COMBINATION_PRODUCTExperimental: Dual-Language Dysarthria Self-Assessment and Management Software (D-SAMS)
D-SAMS is a bilingual (Urdu and English) digital tool designed for adult dysarthria patients. It enables users to assess their speech through interactive tasks (e.g., repetition, reading, and pronunciation exercises), receive feedback, and track progress over time. The software includes audio-visual prompts, self-rating scales, and progress charts, and is tailored to accommodate varying levels of dysarthria severity. It supports independent practice and helps speech-language pathologists monitor patients remotely
Sponsors
Superior University
Study design
Allocation
NA
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults (18+) diagnosed with dysarthria due to neurological causes (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's). * Able to understand and communicate in Urdu and/or English. * Cognitive ability sufficient to use digital tools for self-assessment. * Consent to participate in the study.
Exclusion criteria
* Severe cognitive impairment or dementia limiting participation. * Co-existing speech disorders unrelated to dysarthria (e.g., aphasia). * Hearing impairments that prevent use of audio-based software. * Unwillingness or inability to use digital devices.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment (FDA-2) | 24 Months | Assesses: Motor speech function. Scoring: A (normal) to E (severely impaired) across speech subsystems. |
| Dysarthria Impact Profile (DIP) | 24 Months | Assesses: Psychosocial impact of dysarthria. Scoring: 48 items, rated 1-5; higher scores = greater negative impact. |
| Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale (SIRS) | 24 Months | Assesses: Speech clarity. Scoring: 1 (unintelligible) to 5 (fully intelligible). |
| Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) (optional) | 24 Months | Assesses: Patient's perception of voice issues. Scoring: 0-4 per item; total out of 40. Higher = more voice difficulty. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed