The purpose of this study was to investigate the acoustic characteristics of voice with athetoid cerebral palsy. For this purpose, ten males and six females with athetoid cerebral palsy were participated as the subjects. Each subject was assessed Fundamental frequency (Fo), Jitter (RAP), Shimmer, Harmonic to Noise Ratio (NHR) using Computerized Speech Lab (CSL) model 4300B Multi-Dimensional Voice Program. This study attempted to explore if the 4 parameters change as a function of age and gender.
The results obtained from this study were as follows: Firstly, a significant difference was found as a function of gender in the Fo. That is, female children's Fo was significantly higher than that of male subjects. However, there was no significant difference in terms of ages. Secondly, a significant difference was found as a function of gender in the RAP. That is, female children's RAP was significantly higher than that of male subjects. However, there was no significant difference in terms of ages. Thirdly, a significant difference was found as a function of gender in the Jitter. That is, female children's Jitter was significantly higher than that of male subjects, However, there was no significant difference in terms of ages. Finally, no significant difference was found as a function of gender or age in the NHR.
|