What Is The Diadochokinetic Rate? And when it is used?

Diadochokinetic Rate

A Diadochokinetic Rate is an assessment tool used in Speech-Language Pathology. With the help of this technique, a speech therapist can help people who are suffering from communication problems.

A professional uses this diadochokinetic rate in diagnosis and treatment of the speech and language problems. This rate estimates how fast one can repeat a series of fast and accurate sounds known as “tokens”.

Therefore, these tokens are designed to test how well you can make the sound from the different parts of the mouth like as tongue and the soft palate. These tokens contain one, two, and three syllabi such as –

• “Puh”
• “Puh-Tuh”
• “Puh-Tuh-Kuh”

If you need more information or you have a question regarding Diadochokinetic Rate, you can discuss it with our HearingSol healthcare professionals, just give us a call on +91-9327901950. We are always here to help you.

Usually, the DDK rates increase the age of the children and also matures their motor systems. There are some studies which show the Diadochokinetic Rate reduces the speech impairments in children as well as in adults.

There are some types of conditions which may be associated with the slower or variable DDK Rates such as Stammering, Ataxia, Dysarthria, and the childhood Apraxia of the Speech.

When Is The Diadochokinetic Rate Used?

If you have any types of speech disorder then your doctor may refer you to the SLPs. Some of the skills associated with speech disorder are –

• Speech
• Language
• Oral Motor
• Cognitive-Linguistic
• Swallowing

After this, your SLP may use the DDK rate to determine the intensity of your communication problems, their main cause, and best treatment.

Our body has various parts which not only control but also affect our ability to speak such as –

• The central nervous system,
• Muscle as well as bone structures in your face, throat, and mouth,
• The bottom back portion of your brain or cerebellum.

Some of the conditions which affect your speech and language are –

• Mouth Cancer, Head, Neck,
• Birth Defects as Cleft Palate
• Impairments after Surgery
• Neurological Diseases like Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy
• Neurological Disorders like as a Stroke and Brain Injury

How Is Diadochokinetic Perform?

The task of measuring the DDK rate usually occurs in a single session and takes as little as 15–20 minutes for the SLP to administer and score. Prior to administering the test, the speech-language pathologist will demonstrate the sound(s) which are going to repeat and allow the patient to complete several practice trials. A trial is defined by a predetermined amount of time or number of repetitions. Generally, the SLP will administer a series of tests, each of which requires the client to produce a different sound or combination of sounds.

To evaluate a client’s ability to make rapidly alternating speech movements, we use Diadochokinetic syllable rates.

Primary Ways to Measure  Diadochokinetic Syllable Rate

• Count the number of syllable repetitions a client produces within a predetermined number of seconds.
• Time how many seconds it takes the client to repeat a predetermined number of syllables.

What to do before obtaining rates

• Provide adequate instructions for the tasks, model the target behaviors, and allow the client to practice the tasks.
• Then using a stopwatch to keep accurate time, say the word “go.”
• Count the number of syllables (e.g. (p^/) the client produces.
• When the predetermined number of seconds has elapsed, say “stop.”
• Reconducts the task if the client stops or slows down intentionally before the allotted time has expired.
• Use the “Diadochokinetic Syllable Rates Worksheet” to record the results of your evaluation.

.For additional info:-

• Echolalia – Repetitive Speech (What It Is and What It Means)
• How do I diagnose speech sound disorders, such as articulation and consistent and inconsistent phonological disorder?
• What is the most common speech disorder?