A Portable Microprocessor-Based Biofeedback Training Device

Abstract

We have designed and constructed a portable microprocessor-based feedback instrument for speech therapy with Parkinson's disease patients. The instrument is very flexible due to its programmability and ease of interface to analog modules, Our first implemented application provides biofeedback about speech-volume levels. This device monitors speech-volume levels of a patient, provides performance feedback for the patient, and logs the performance data in its semiconductor memory. In tests on a patient with Parkinson's disease, the instrument functioned well when optimized through programming.