Speech Rehabilitation Based on Mobile Applications

Effect of Speech Rehabilitation Based on Mobile Application for People With Dysarthria After Stroke: A Single-Center, Investigator-Blinded, Randomized, Crossover Trial

This study evaluates the efficacy of smartphone-based speech therapy administered at home compared with usual care. Participants will be randomized into the treatment and waitlist control groups with an allocation ratio of 1:1.

Despite the importance of dysarthria intervention in post-stroke rehabilitation, further research in this area remains underexplored. This study builds on previous research on the use of smartphone-based dysarthria interventions based on motor learning principles, such as repetitive training and feedback and neuroplasticity through repetition, motivation, and reward. The treatment duration of 1h, 5 times a week for 4 weeks, is consistent with previous behavioral interventions for post-stroke dysarthria. This study aimed to determine whether the condition of patients with stroke can be improved through the use of smartphone-based interventions. This is a single-center, investigator-blinded, randomized, crossover effectiveness study. In this study, both the objective and subjective measurements will be performed three times: at baseline, post-phase 1 study (week 4), and post-phase 2 study (week 8). The study includes three intervention cycles, and for each research cycle, 12 subjects will be recruited to participate (6 per each group × 3 cycles).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients must be able to use a smartphone-based speech therapy application, as determined by self-reporting cognitive abilities.
• Speaks English as a native language.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to use smartphone application or conduct speech assessment due to severe speech impairment.
• Self-reported co-existing progressive neurological disorders that can affect dysarthria (e.g., dementia, Pick's disease, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Parkinsonism).
• Patient with severe mental disorders as self-reported (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, alcohol addiction, or drug addiction).
• Illiterate patients.