Journal article
To Treat or Not to Treat: A Scoping Review of Speech Treatment for Dysarthria in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Healthcare (Basel), Vol.13(19), 2434
09/25/2025
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13192434
PMCID: PMC12523638
PMID: 41095520
Abstract
Background: Speech loss is recognised as one of the most devastating outcomes for individuals with ALS, yet active speech intervention is rarely targeted in this population. Clinicians face significant challenges in managing dysarthria associated with ALS due to the rapidly progressive nature of the disease, historical concerns around intensive exercise accelerating decline, and an absence of direction on restorative and compensatory intervention strategies in current clinical care guidelines. This review evaluates the scope and quality of evidence for speech treatments in ALS to identify knowledge gaps and establish research priorities to guide clinical care. Methods: Studies were retrieved from six electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane library, Web of Science, and PsycINFO). Results: Four studies met inclusion criteria. Treatment approaches included: music-based speech therapy; multisubsystem speech rehabilitation program, tongue strengthening and articulation training; and Lee Silverman Voice Treatment-LOUD® combined with additional voice and articulation therapy. Sample sizes were small, with all studies demonstrating notable methodological weaknesses. The limited evidence base, marked by conflicting results and methodological flaws, prevents any reliable conclusions about treatment effectiveness. Conclusions: Despite the prevalence and impact of dysarthria in this population, evidence for speech treatment remains sparse, of generally low quality, and provides limited guidance for clinical practice. The changing perspective on exercise in ALS warrants rigorous investigation of tailored dysarthria interventions for this population that are minimally fatiguing and enhance speech by making use of residual physiologic support.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- To Treat or Not to Treat: A Scoping Review of Speech Treatment for Dysarthria in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Creators
- Brooke-Mai Whelan - The University of QueenslandDanielle Aldridge - The University of QueenslandJessica Ruhle - The University of QueenslandPersephone Whitelock - The University of QueenslandShana Taubert - Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalAnnette Collins - Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalElaine Kearney - The University of QueenslandSalma Charania - Central Queensland UniversityRobert D. Henderson - Royal Brisbane and Women's HospitalSarah J. Wallace - The University of QueenslandClaire Mitchell - University of ManchesterKaila L. Stipancic - University at Buffalo, State University of New YorkMili Kuruvilla-Dugdale - University of IowaAdam P. Vogel - The University of Melbourne
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Healthcare (Basel), Vol.13(19), 2434
- DOI
- 10.3390/healthcare13192434
- PMID
- 41095520
- PMCID
- PMC12523638
- NLM abbreviation
- Healthcare (Basel)
- ISSN
- 2227-9032
- eISSN
- 2227-9032
- Publisher
- MDPI
- Grant note
- University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, New Staff Research Start-Up FundNational Health and Medical Research Council: 20322983
This study was supported by a University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, New Staff Research Start-Up Fund. SJW receives fellowship funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (20322983).
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 09/25/2025
- Academic Unit
- Neurology; Communication Sciences and Disorders
- Record Identifier
- 9984969244102771
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