Virtual Reality Assisted Artificial Intelligence Intervention for Speech-Language Pathology: A Pilot Study in Pakistan

Purpose: Speech and language disorders significantly impact communication, social integration, and quality of life.Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) combined with Virtual Reality (VR) offer innovative approaches for therapy.This pilot study aims to explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an AI-driven VR intervention for improving speech and language outcomes in patients with speech-language pathology (SLP) disorders in Pakistan.Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed between February 2025 and July 2025, enrolling 12 participants (07 male, 05 female; mean age 28 ± 7.5 years; range, 18-40 years) diagnosed with various SLP disorders.Participants underwent a 6-week AI-assisted VR therapy program, which included interactive speech exercises, real-time feedback, and gamified VR scenarios tailored to individual therapy goals.Outcome measures included the Speech Intelligibility Rating Scale (SIRS), Communication Effectiveness Index (CETI), and patient-reported quality of life via the ASHA-QOL questionnaire, assessed at baseline and postintervention.User engagement and adherence were monitored through the VR platform.Results: Preliminary findings indicated significant improvements in speech intelligibility (mean SIRS increase of 18%, p < 0.05) and communication effectiveness (CETI scores improved by 20%).Quality of life scores also showed meaningful enhancement across social participation and emotional domains.The adherence rate was 85%, and participants reported high satisfaction and engagement with the VR-based program.Conclusion: AI-assisted VR therapy appears to be a feasible, engaging, and potentially effective approach for improving speech, communication skills, and quality of life in patients with SLP disorders in Pakistan.Further large-scale randomized studies are warranted to confirm these findings and optimize intervention protocols.