Remote Monitoring of Speech in ALS using Modality AI
Project Description: This project is linked to Work Package 4 (WP4) of the PrecisionALS Programme that is investigating digital outcome measures & remote monitoring of physical impairments in ALS.
The core aim of WP4 is to investigate the validity and usability of novel digital technologies in the measurement of physical impairments (speech, swallow, strength, dexterity, mobility, and respiration) in ALS. The full details of the project can be viewed on ClinicalTrials.gov https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06820008
This linked project, “A longitudinal study of speech and facial metrics in ALS using the Modality.AI platform” (Modality AI Study) specifically addresses the measurement, analysis and evaluation of speech and facial parameters as a possible biomarker of disease progression in persons living with ALS.
Participants complete regular assessments of speech, cognitive-linguistic and facial muscle movement metrics remotely (‘at-home’) using a novel digital technology, Modality.AI Platform, which has been provided by Modality.AI. (Fig.1)
Participants, in parallel, complete three researcher-led (‘in-person’) assessments of comparable constructs. Validity of the remote measures and the novel technologies will be assessed by comparing traditional assessment methods to novel methods. The data obtained from Modality.AI platform will be compared to that obtained from the Speech Intelligibility Measure (SIT) and subjective measures of speech and swallow (Centre for Neurological Studies Bulbar Function Scale (CNS-BFS), Food texture description: Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Communication Effectiveness Index – modified (CETI-m), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10)and the ALSFRS-R.
Usability and participant experience will be collected using questionnaires and a semi-structured interview. Adherence to the remote monitoring schedule will be assessed. Participants are with the option to opt-out of using the technology if they feel it becomes overly burdensome for them. Data collection involves a combination of in-person researcher-led assessments and remote data collection completed by the participant either independently or with video or telephone support within their home setting.
Project Objective: The primary objective of the project is to investigate the validity and usability of the novel Modality.AI digital technology in the measurement of speech impairment and facial parameters, in ALS patients. This will include evaluation of the usability (ease of use, acceptability, and learnability) of the technologies, and their use in longitudinal (measurement over time) and remote evaluation of speech in ALS.
The secondary goal is to investigate the potential utility of speech and facial parameter analysis independently and/or in combination with the measurement of other physical impairments (gait/mobility, swallow, strength, dexterity, and respiration) in the search for new biomarkers / assessments of disease progression.
Project Status: Recruitment on this study is complete (n=60) May 2026 and the expected date to complete data collection is May 2027.
