Diadochokinetic Rate in Typically Developing Young Adults Aged 18 to 25 Years Who Are Spanish Speakers from Chile

Abstract

Diadochokinesia is the ability to perform repeated and alternating movements quickly. In speech evaluation, the diadochokinetic (DDK) rate is used to assess the dexterity and integrity of motor control. Although studies on DDK rate exist for Chilean Spanish speakers, data on young adults remain limited. This study aimed to describe and establish preliminary normative data for DDK rate among Chilean Spanish-speaking young adults, with a sample of 250 typically developing individuals aged 18 to 25 years. Participants were instructed to repeat the syllable [pa] into a microphone as quickly as possible for 8 seconds. Speech was recorded using Motor Speech Profile software, and five parameters were analyzed: DDKavp, DDKavr, DDKcvp, DDKjit, and DDKcvi. The distribution of scores for these parameters in the sample did not fit a normal distribution; therefore, norms were established based on quartiles. Additionally, Spearman correlation analysis indicated that the parameters DDKcvp and DDKjit tended to decrease with age within the 18-25 years range. These findings hold potential for research and clinical applications, as they enable comparisons with populations of different ages and with clinical groups.