Researchers at Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) have created a new digital therapy device in the form of an app that enables Parkinson’s disease patients to receive customized voice therapy from the comfort of their homes.
Led by Professor Kim Han-joon of the Department of Neurology, the research team developed a smartphone-based device that assesses the patient’s voice condition and automatically provides tailored voice training. The app includes a range of exercises, such as breathing techniques, oral exercises, voice loudness training, pitch adjustment, and speaking drills, all designed to improve vocal function.
Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, is known for its physical symptoms, such as slowed movement, muscle stiffness, and tremors. However, it also causes early-stage voice changes and articulation difficulties, which progressively worsen over time. Studies indicate that up to 75 percent of Parkinson’s patients experience voice and speech issues as the disease advances, significantly impairing communication and daily life.
The voice issues often include lowered pitch, monotony, inaccurate pronunciation, and speech that is difficult to control. These symptoms not only disrupt social interactions but also negatively affect the patients’ mental well-being.
While Parkinson’s medication helps manage motor symptoms, it does not address voice disorders. Specialized speech rehabilitation remains the most effective form of treatment. However, access to such therapy is limited, and many patients face challenges related to the cost and logistics of visiting clinics.
According to a 2024 survey conducted by the research team, 63 percent of Parkinson’s patients expressed a preference for remote therapy, particularly speech therapy. Additionally, a 2025 study found that over 75 percent of individuals with moderate to severe Parkinson’s reported not receiving any rehabilitation therapy, underscoring the need for accessible, non-drug treatments.
To test the effectiveness of the digital therapy device, the research team conducted a study between September and November 2023, involving 28 Parkinson’s patients (average age 68). The participants followed a treatment regimen of four sessions per week for five weeks.
The study found that 20 of the 28 patients maintained adherence rates exceeding 90 percent, while four others adhered between 70 and 90 percent, indicating that the app-based therapy is a feasible and sustainable option for patients.
In a satisfaction survey, 75 percent of participants expressed high levels of satisfaction, with none reporting dissatisfaction. Furthermore, 58.3 percent of patients reported subjective improvements in voice quality, with no deterioration noted.
Acoustic analysis revealed substantial improvements in key voice metrics, such as maximum vocal duration (increased from 11.15 seconds to 14.01 seconds) and voice intensity (from 71.59 dB to 73.81 dB). Additionally, significant progress was noted in the GRBAS scale, which assesses voice quality in terms of grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, and strain.
Professor Kim emphasized the practical benefits of the smartphone-based therapy device, noting that it is easy for elderly Parkinson’s patients to use at home and offers an effective, cost-efficient treatment for voice disorders. “Building on these promising results, we are working on further improvements to the device, which could eventually be applied to other areas of Parkinson’s disease treatment,” he added.
The development of this app marks a significant advancement in providing accessible, remote care to Parkinson’s patients, particularly those who face challenges in attending traditional rehabilitation programs.
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