Communication Efficiency in a Face Transplant Recipient: Determinants and Therapeutic Implications

We longitudinally assessed speech intelligibility (percent words correct/pwc), communication efficiency (intelligible words per minute/iwpm), temporal control markers (speech and pause coefficients of variation), and formant frequencies associated with lip motion in a 41-year-old face transplant recipient. Pwc and iwpm at 13 months post-transplantation were both higher than preoperative values. Multivariate regression demonstrated that temporal markers and all formant frequencies associated with lip motion were significant predictors (P < 0.05) of communication efficiency, highlighting the interplay of these variables in generating intelligible and effective speech. These findings can guide us in developing personalized rehabilitative approaches in face transplant recipients for optimal speech outcomes.