Comprehensive Summary
This study compared the effectiveness of two auditory-perceptual voice assessment tools—CAPE-V, a clinician-administered scale, and GRBASZero, an AI-based application—in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Voice samples from 44 patients, categorized by Hoehn and Yahr severity, were analyzed using sustained vowel /a/. CAPE-V demonstrated high sensitivity across all stages of disease, detecting impairments in overall severity, roughness, breathiness, strain, loudness, and pitch. GRBASZero, however, only detected breathiness and strain in advanced stages, showing limited sensitivity early in disease progression.
Outcomes and Implications
This work matters because voice impairments are common in PD and can significantly impact communication and quality of life. By demonstrating that CAPE-V remains more reliable and comprehensive for early detection and monitoring across all stages, the study highlights the importance of using sensitive clinical tools in both practice and research. GRBASZero, while potentially useful for tracking specific parameters later in the disease, is not sufficient as a standalone tool for early diagnosis.