Game-Based Speech Rehabilitation for People with Parkinson’s Disease

Neurodegenerative syndromes such as Parkinson’s disease usually lead to speech impairments. Reduced intelligibility of spoken language is treatable with Speech and Language Therapy. A successful speech therapy implements the principles of frequency, intensity and repetition. Consequently, patients need to be highly motivated for the exercises to keep up with their training. We argue that game-based technology are prone to support patients in partaking in a self-sustained high frequency training. Furthermore, studies demonstrate that game-based interventions have the potential to enhance motivation for rehabilitative exercising in patients with neurological disorders. Building on these insights we apply successful principles of gamification to enhance impaired speech in patients with neurogenerative syndromes. With the ISi-Speech project (‘Individualisierte Spracherkennung in der Rehabilitation für Menschen mit Beeinträchtigung in der Sprechverständlichkeit’ (in German) [individual speech recognition in therapy for people with motor speech disorders]) we further integrate psychological motivation theory (self-determination) and user driven design into the developmental process of a rehabilitation tool for patients with Parkinson’s disease.