Classifying subgroups of individuals with ALS: Acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics

Authors

  • H.A. Leeper Univ of Western Ontario, London, Canada
  • Michael Strong Univ of Western Ontario, London, Canada

Keywords:

Acoustics, Aerodynamics, Muscle, Neurophysiology, Pulmonary diseases, Speech analysis, Speech intelligibility, Amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Speech production

Abstract

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive degenerative neuromuscular disease that involves the upper and lower motor neurons. Damage to the lower motor neurons is manifested by muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle atrophy, and fasciculations, whereas upper motor neuron damage is manifested by spasticity, muscle weakness, cramping, increased tone, and hyperactive deep-tendon reflexes. Upper and/or lower motor involvement may occur during the course of the disease, but eventually, both systems are involved. At initial presentation, individuals are described primarily as being either bulbar or nonbulbar, as determined by presence or absence of neuromotor symptoms. Usually, bulbar signs are typified by rapid deterioration, while nonbulbar signs point to slightly slower deterioration, especially of the cranial nerves affecting oral-pharyngeal-laryngeal motor coordination and speech production. Progressive deterioration of the oral, velopharyngeal, and laryngeal subsystems serving speech leads to speech production difficulties and decreased speech intelligibility in individuals with ALS. Major characteristics of speech difficulties include imprecise articulation, hypernasality and nasal air emission, strained-strangled, harsh, breathy, low-pitch and low intensity voice production, and slow speaking rate. These characteristics may occur in different individuals at various times throughout the course of the disease. Acoustical and aerodynamic assessment of voice and speech production are useful in early detection, differential categorization, and the monitoring of deterioration of speech in individuals with ALS. Further, differential speech subsystem assessment of subgroups of individuals with bulbar and nonbulbar signs may lead to better management strategies of these groups of individuals relative to `quality of life' issues. This series of experiments characterizes acoustical and aerodynamic changes in speech deterioration of individuals with bulbar and nonbulbar signs which may allow for specific management strategies over time.

Additional Files

Published

1998-09-01

How to Cite

1.
Leeper H, Strong M. Classifying subgroups of individuals with ALS: Acoustic and aerodynamic characteristics. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 1998 Sep. 1 [cited 2024 Apr. 17];26(3):84-5. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1169

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 3 (1998)

Section

Proceedings of the Acoustics Week in Canada

License

Author Licensing Addendum

This Licensing Addendum ("Addendum") is entered into between the undersigned Author(s) and Canadian Acoustics journal published by the Canadian Acoustical Association (hereinafter referred to as the "Publisher"). The Author(s) and the Publisher agree as follows:

  1. Retained Rights: The Author(s) retain(s) the following rights:

    • The right to reproduce, distribute, and publicly display the Work on the Author's personal website or the website of the Author's institution.
    • The right to use the Work in the Author's teaching activities and presentations.
    • The right to include the Work in a compilation for the Author's personal use, not for sale.

  2. Grant of License: The Author(s) grant(s) to the Publisher a worldwide exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the Work in Canadian Acoustics and any other formats and media deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

  3. Attribution: The Publisher agrees to include proper attribution to the Author(s) in all publications and reproductions of the Work.

  4. No Conflict: This Addendum is intended to be in harmony with, and not in conflict with, the terms and conditions of the original agreement entered into between the Author(s) and the Publisher.

  5. Copyright Clause: Copyright on articles is held by the Author(s). The corresponding Author has the right to grant on behalf of all Authors and does grant on behalf of all Authors, a worldwide exclusive license to the Publisher and its licensees in perpetuity, in all forms, formats, and media (whether known now or created in the future), including but not limited to the rights to publish, reproduce, distribute, display, store, translate, create adaptations, reprints, include within collections, and create summaries, extracts, and/or abstracts of the Contribution.