As a speech-language pathologist, you are constantly looking for effective ways to help your clients improve their communication skills. A recent pilot project, "The Impact of Group Format Therapy on Voice in Parkinson's Disease," offers some intriguing insights that could help you achieve better outcomes for your clients with Parkinson's Disease (PD).
Parkinson's Disease often results in hypokinetic dysarthria, characterized by a monotone voice, reduced loudness, and imprecise articulation. Traditional treatments like the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) are effective but resource-intensive, often limiting access. This pilot project explored an alternative: group format therapy.
Key Findings from the Research
The study involved nine adults with idiopathic PD in Santiago, Chile. They participated in an intensive group voice treatment protocol. The results were promising:
- Immediate Gains: Participants showed a mean increase of 13.9 dB SPL in sustained phonation, 9.5 dB SPL in phrase repetition, and 10.5 dB SPL in reading tasks immediately post-treatment.
- Long-term Maintenance: While gains diminished over time, participants still maintained an average improvement of almost 8 dB SPL in sustained phonation at 3-4 months follow-up.
- Psychosocial Benefits: Participants reported feeling more comfortable in social situations and experienced a general ease in communication.
How to Implement Group Format Therapy
To implement a similar group therapy format, consider the following:
- Session Structure: Three 1.5-hour sessions per week for four weeks. Begin with vocal warm-ups, followed by hierarchical tasks and reading aloud.
- Homework: Daily practice is crucial. Ensure participants complete one 15-20 minute session of home practice on therapy days and two sessions on non-therapy days.
- Caregiver Involvement: Educate caregivers on the principles of "thinking loud" and involve them in sessions to support home practice.
Encouraging Further Research
While the pilot project showed promising results, further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of group format therapy. Consider collaborating with colleagues to conduct more controlled studies, perhaps even incorporating telehealth options to reach more patients.
For more detailed information, you can read the original research paper, The Impact of Group Format Therapy on Voice in Parkinson's Disease: A Pilot Project.
