Name:Ashkan Karimi

School/Affiliation:York University

Co-Authors:Ashkan Karimi1,4, Narges Moein2, Karolina A. Bearss3,4, Rachael J. Bar3,4, Sarah Robichaud5, Joseph FX DeSouza1,3,4,6 1York University, 2University of Toronto, 3VISTA and CAPnet, 4Centre for Vision Research , 5Dancing with Parkinson’s Canada, 6Connected Minds, Canada

Virtual or In-person:In-person

Abstract:

Introduction: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor and non-motor functions, with speech impairments such as reduced pitch variability (F0SD) and intensity (IntSD) commonly observed. Early identification of these changes through voice biomarkers offers a non-invasive approach for detecting PD and tracking disease progression. This study investigates the impact of PD on voice features over a five-year period and explores whether dance interventions can mitigate these impairments.
Methods: A total of 29 individuals with PD and 29 healthy controls participated in a longitudinal dance program. Voice recordings were collected before and after dance sessions over five years (2014-2019) and analyzed using machine learning models to extract F0SD and IntSD. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and mixed-effect models, were performed to evaluate group differences, longitudinal changes, and the effects of dance on voice parameters.
Results: Individuals with PD exhibited significantly higher variability in F0SD and IntSD compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal analysis revealed a decline in F0SD over time, aligning with PD-related motor impairments. While dance interventions improved F0SD stability, the interaction effect between group and time was not statistically significant. IntSD showed no significant change in response to dance and appeared more influenced by normal aging processes.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the potential of F0SD and IntSD as biomarkers for tracking PD progression. Dance interventions provide measurable benefits for F0SD, though further research is needed to determine optimal intervention duration and explore additional speech features. Early and targeted interventions, such as combining dance with speech therapy, may enhance communication abilities and improve the quality of life for individuals with PD.