SARAspeech-Feasibility of automated assessment of ataxic speech disturbance

Ataxias are a group of movement disorders that are characterized by progressive loss of balance, impaired coordination and speech disturbance, which together lead to markedly reduced quality of life. Speech disturbance is clinically diagnosed, but methods for objective assessment of severity are lacking. Using 71 sets of speech recordings from ataxia patients, we developed an automated classification system. With a tolerance of +/- 1 point, this classification system correctly predicted experts' ratings of speech disturbance according to item 4 of the Scale for Assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) in 80% of cases. We thereby demonstrate feasibility of computer-assisted voice analysis for automated assessment of severity of speech disturbance.

Automated summary

Ataxias refer to a group of movement disorders, characterized by progressive loss of balance, impaired coordination, and speech disturbance, resulting in a significant reduction in quality of life. Although speech disturbance can be clinically diagnosed, there is a lack of objective methods for assessing its severity. Through the analysis of 71 sets of speech recordings from ataxia patients, an automated classification system was developed. This system correctly predicted the expert ratings of speech disturbance in 80% of cases, demonstrating the feasibility of computer-assisted voice analysis for automated assessment of speech disturbance severity.