Labial diadochokinesia in adults with and without idiopathic parkinson’s disease

Abstract

Objective: characterize the differences between diadochokinesis lip values of speakers with and without Parkinson’s disease. Methods: it was performed a cross-sectional observational study in the period of October 2008 to July 2010. The subjects of the study group were patients with Parkinson’s disease periodically followed up by neurologists. Individuals invited to participate in the control group were the companions of patients, but also companions of patients of the Clinic of Speech. Participants underwent speech recording based on testing of labial diadochokinesia. We used the nonparametric statistical test for independent samples, Mann-Whitney test. Result: The study included 85 subjects. By comparing the case and control groups regarding labial diadochokinesia, it appears that there was a statistically signifi cant difference for the parameters of DDKcvp, and DDKjit DDKcvi. Conclusion: The results suggest a lower capacity of speakers with Parkinson’s disease to maintain a constant rate of CV combinations (/ pa /) and less ability to maintain a constant amplitude of the CV combinations (/ pa /) compared with noncarriers of Parkinson’s disease.