Identifying the components of a successful spoken naming therapy: a meta-analysis of word-finding interventions for adults with aphasia

Abstract

Background:Spoken word retrieval therapy forms an integral part of aphasia therapy. Due to the range of therapy options and variations, drawing clear-cut conclusions from the evidence base can be challenging. Aims:This paper consolidates recent findings (2008 -2018), pertinent to spoken word-finding interventions. Specifically, we are interested in aphasia interventions : (1) that target singleword spoken naming; (2) whose participants are adults with acquired naming impairments after a stroke; and (3) whose treatment approach focus on the use of language forms (i.e., semantics, phonology and orthography). The over-arching objective is to determine the important therapy components underpinning successful single-word naming treatments. Methods and Procedures:A systematic literature search was conducted. This led to the compilation of a large-scale dataset (n = 222 participants from 32 papers), with the heterogenous interventions dissected into their "active" therapy components. A detailed framework ("RITA": (1) Regimen; (2) Item(s); (3) Technique(s); and (4) Application of technique(s) with their Adjuncts) was designed to organise these "active therapy ingredients". Using random forest, we identified the crucial components responsible for the successful naming of treated and untreated items respectively, at short-term and maintenance periods. Outcomes and Results:The role of the written form as therapeutic cues, presented either as a whole word or partword, emerged to be a consistent and robust predictor, across the outcomes. Semantic tasks were useful in the successful naming of untreated items. Random Forest Naming Therapy Components 3 Conclusions:Clinicians should consider using written prompts as part of spoken naming therapy. It is possible that the use of orthography underlies the success of multi-component techniques.Other clinical implications (e.g., homework, treatment intensity) are also discussed. In addition, we propose a comprehensive "RITA" framework, which summarises the "active" therapy components. "RITA" is useful for clinicians and researchers as a guide to unpack a language intervention. Furthermore, the paper highlights the strengths of a well-established method, random forest, as a valuable statistical tool to move aphasia research forward.Overall, the study refines our understanding of spoken naming treatment for those with aphasia, specifically individuals with word-finding deficits. Importantly, through the use of a robust statistical approach and an original framework designed to lay out language therapy components, the paper adds new clarity to the evidence base. Random Forest Naming Therapy Components 4 Identifying the components of a successful spoken naming therapy:A meta-analysis of word-finding interventions for adults with aphasia A core characteristic of aphasia is the difficulty in retrieving words (Helm-Estabrooks & Albert, 2004, p. 43) and this remains a lingering complaint of many well-recovered individuals with aphasia (Murdoch, 1990, p. 84). The principal aim of word-findi...

Resting-State Functional Connectivity following Phonological Component Analysis: The Combined Action of Phonology and Visual Orthographic Cues

“…Moreover, as per previous work in our lab [ 34 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 ] and following the original protocol [ 20 ], frequency and dosage (3 times per week for 5 weeks total, approximately 60 min sessions) ensure the feasibility of Fr-PCA in the clinical practice in Quebec. Moreover, these therapy variables correspond to optimal variable ranges in terms of minutes per session [ 65 , 66 ], the number of sessions weekly [ 65 , 66 ], and cumulative dosage [ 66 ] reported in previous studies on naming therapies that improve naming performance in persons with aphasia.…”

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“…Today, this is one of the approaches to therapy for naming disorders. Studies of phenomena such as central nervous system repair, cortical reorganization after brain damage, and the improvement of language function by behavioral therapy, support the view that patients may regain lost capabilities by extensive training (e.g., Dietz & Ward, 2020;Ping Sze, Hameau, Warren, & Best, 2021). Also, studies have provided evidence that upregulation of attentional control contributes to recovery of language after stroke (e.g., Geranmayeh et al, 2017), which is confirmed in a meta-analysis of the literature (Stefaniak et al, 2021; but see Wilson & Schneck, 2021).…”

A qualitative study into the experience of living with acalculia after stroke and other forms of acquired brain injury

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