No abstract

In comparison with conventional spontaneous speech rating scales, the basic parameters proved to be more sensitive to change. For the time being, however, some limitations remain with regard to the specificity of the basic parameters. Thus, additional data are needed to provide further support of the clinical significance of the measured changes.

Although generally accepted as an important part of aphasia assessment, detailed analysis of spontaneous speech is rarely carried out in clinical practice mostly due to time limitations. The Aachener Sprachanalyse (ASPA; Aachen Speech Analysis) is a computer-assisted method for the quantitative analysis of German spontaneous speech that allows for a detailed assessment by means of linguistic basic parameters in an acceptable amount of time. It has previously been proven sensitive for monitoring changes over time. In this study, we present data of 52 aphasic participants whose spontaneous speech was analyzed retrospectively before and after an intensive therapy program. The measured changes are evaluated with reference to normative data of 60 non-brain-damaged speakers. Results confirm good sensitivity to document changes over time. Clinical relevance of changes is assessed with reference to critical score ranges derived from the normative data. Findings provide further evidence of the clinical applicability and usefulness of ASPA.

No abstract

Mit dieser ersten deutschsprachigen Studie zum Langzeitverlauf der Aphasie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen kann gezeigt werden, dass sich auch mehrere Jahre nach der Hirnschädigung persistierende Aphasiefolgen mit Hilfe spezifischer Testverfahren nachweisen lassen.