Voice dysfunction in dysarthria: application of the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.

Phonatory dysfunction is a frequent component of dysarthria and often is a primary feature noted in clinical assessment. But the vocal impairment can be difficult to assess because (a). the analysis of voice disorder of any kind can be challenging, and (b). the voice disorder in dysarthria often occurs along with other impairments affecting articulation, resonance, and respiration. A promising assessment tool is multi-parameter acoustic analysis, such as the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP). Part 1 of this paper recommends procedures and standards for the acoustic analysis of voice, including (1). selection of the sample to be analyzed, (2). signal quality requirements, (3). availability of normative data for both genders and different ages of speakers, (4). reliability of analysis, and (5). correlation of acoustic results with results from other methods of analysis. In Part 2, acoustic data are reviewed for the dysarthria associated with Parkinson disease (PD), cerebellar disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), unilateral hemispheric stroke, and essential tremor. Tentative profiles of voice disorder are described for these conditions. These profiles may serve as hypotheses for future research. Although several issues remain to be resolved in the acoustic analysis of voice disorder in dysarthria, steps can be taken now to promote the reliability, validity, and clinical utility of such analyses. (1). As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to describe ways in which an optimal multi-dimensional analysis of voice can be performed with modern acoustic analysis systems. (2). As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to apply multi-dimensional acoustic analysis of voice to individuals who have a dysarthria-related voice disorder. (3). As a result of this activity, the participant will be able to identify major sources of normative data on the Multi-Dimensional Voice Program.