Abstract: |
Treatment to increase vocal loudness was provided to 11 individuals with hypokinetic dysarthria as a consequence of Parkinson disease. Participants were assigned to one of three treatment schedules: four times per week for 4 weeks, two times per week for 8 weeks, or two times per week for four weeks. Measurements taken before treatment, at the end of treatment, and 3 months following the end of treatment showed that all participants, regardless of schedule, increased their voice intensity while reading aloud, and most increased their voice intensity while sustaining phonation of a vowel. The schedule of treatment, including the total number of sessions, did not have a predictable effect on the outcomes of the treatment. |