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ReaDySpeech for people with dysarthria after stroke: a feasibility study

Mitchell, Claire

[Thesis]. Manchester, UK: The University of Manchester; 2017.

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Abstract

Dysarthria describes the impaired speech intelligibility caused by weakness of muscles involved in speech following stroke. This is a common consequence of stroke and can have a detrimental impact on self-confidence leading to social isolation for many. There is limited evidence for dysarthria intervention but we know that research into speech difficulties after stroke is a priority for stroke survivors. An online speech rehabilitation programme was developed, ReaDySpeech, with the potential to offer improved quality of independent practice, increased intensity of practice and the ability to record interaction. The research presented in this thesis aimed to systematically examine the existing evidence base, to carry out some preliminary acceptability work on ReaDySpeech, and implement a feasibility trial. The initial study was a Cochrane systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions for people with non-progressive dysarthria after stroke or other adult-acquired brain injury. This found insufficient evidence to know whether dysarthria intervention is effective or not. This led to a study of early acceptability work for ReaDySpeech and whether there were any technical barriers to use. This found no significant technical barriers other than lack of Wi-Fi and it was acceptable to participants and therapists. This enabled a progression to a feasibility trial following amendments and improvements to the protocol and ReaDySpeech itself. The feasibility trial found recruitment, retention and the intervention were all feasible to carry out during a trial. Further in-depth consideration of the findings indicates more work is needed to widen recruitment and to develop the intervention, comparator and methodology of a future trial for this to be a success with valid clinical implications. This thesis reports this body of work and discusses potential future directions for dysarthria research. 

Bibliographic metadata

Type of resource:
Content type:
Administered thesis
Form of thesis:
Alternative format
Type of submission:
Doctoral level ETD - final
Thesis title:
ReaDySpeech for people with dysarthria after stroke: a feasibility study
Degree type:
Doctor of Philosophy
Degree programme:
PhD Communication Disorders 3yr (NEP)
Publication date:
2017-11-26T13:19:56
Institution:
The University of Manchester
Location:
Manchester, UK
Total pages:
246
Abstract:
Dysarthria describes the impaired speech intelligibility caused by weakness of muscles involved in speech following stroke. This is a common consequence of stroke and can have a detrimental impact on self-confidence leading to social isolation for many. There is limited evidence for dysarthria intervention but we know that research into speech difficulties after stroke is a priority for stroke survivors. An online speech rehabilitation programme was developed, ReaDySpeech, with the potential to offer improved quality of independent practice, increased intensity of practice and the ability to record interaction. The research presented in this thesis aimed to systematically examine the existing evidence base, to carry out some preliminary acceptability work on ReaDySpeech, and implement a feasibility trial. The initial study was a Cochrane systematic review of the effectiveness of interventions for people with non-progressive dysarthria after stroke or other adult-acquired brain injury. This found insufficient evidence to know whether dysarthria intervention is effective or not. This led to a study of early acceptability work for ReaDySpeech and whether there were any technical barriers to use. This found no significant technical barriers other than lack of Wi-Fi and it was acceptable to participants and therapists. This enabled a progression to a feasibility trial following amendments and improvements to the protocol and ReaDySpeech itself. The feasibility trial found recruitment, retention and the intervention were all feasible to carry out during a trial. Further in-depth consideration of the findings indicates more work is needed to widen recruitment and to develop the intervention, comparator and methodology of a future trial for this to be a success with valid clinical implications. This thesis reports this body of work and discusses potential future directions for dysarthria research. 
Keyword(s):
Thesis main supervisor(s):
Thesis co-supervisor(s):
Funder(s):
Degree grantor:
Language:
en

Institutional metadata

University researcher(s):
Academic department(s):

Record metadata

Manchester eScholar ID:
uk-ac-man-scw:312312
Created by:
Mitchell, Claire
Created:
26th November, 2017, 13:19:56
Last modified by:
Mitchell, Claire
Last modified:
1st December, 2017, 09:10:00

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