Implementation of computer-based language therapy in aphasia

Abstract

A first step in evaluating the use of computers in language therapy for individuals with aphasia is to establish the treatment as active in small groups prior to large-scale clinical trials. The present study evaluated a comprehensive computer-based language therapy program in a group of eight individuals with chronic in aphasia varying broadly in age, time post onset and aphasia type. Results revealed an overall therapeutic benefit in auditory comprehension, as well as positive trends in functional communication. Findings suggest that comprehensive therapy programs may be beneficial for many individuals with aphasia, and computer-based therapy may be one feasible avenue of providing this intervention.

Computer delivery of gesture therapy for people with severe aphasia

“…Linebarger, McCall, Virata & Berndt, 2007), auditory comprehension (Archibald, Orange & Jamieson, 2009), speech apraxia (Whiteside, Inglis, Dyson, Roper, Harbottle, Ryder, Cowell & Varley, 2012) and naming (Laganaro, Di Pietro & Schnider, 2006;Ramsberger & Marie, 2007;Palmer, Enderby, Cooper, Latimer, Julious, Paterson, Dimairo, Dixon, Mortley, Hilton, Delaney & Hughes, 2012). These studies also confirm that electronic delivery can successfully raise the treatment dose.…”

“…However, there is also a high degree of individual variation in the amount of practice undertaken. For example, the nine participants in Archibald et al (2009) had computer usage times ranging from 5.51 to 39.47 hours;…”

Narrowing the “digital divide”—facilitating access to computer technology to enhance the lives of those with aphasia: a feasibility study

“…Indeed, apart from the potential benefits in terms of improved social interaction and general quality-of-life, computer based software programmes are continually being developed specifically targeting the rehabilitation of aphasia (Ramsberger & Marie, 2007;Mortley, Wade, Davies, & Enderby, 2003). Given the present economic climate which has resulted in significant funding and resource cutbacks and therefore reduced availability of face-to-face aphasia rehabilitation (Archibald, Orange & Jamieson, 2009), Speech and Language Therapists need to consider alternative and flexible means of service delivery, for example, employing the use of technology. However, basic computer skills are an essential precursor to accessing potentially intensive, effective therapy, therefore any ICT illiteracy of this client group and requirements for follow-up support must be targeted if they are to be able to access such rehabilitation.…”

Automatic word naming recognition for an on-line aphasia treatment system

“…In both cases, an animated agent or virtual therapist is designed to behave like a clinician and interact with and provide help to the users. In the particular case of the rehabilitation of word recalling difficulties or anomia, there has been a recent proliferation of studies to examine the most useful way to use computers (Archibald et al, 2009;Adrián et al, 2011), in some cases based on a commercial system named MossTalk Words 5 (Fink et al, 2005;Jokel et al, 2009). However, the few studies among these works that stimulate oral naming always use the active participation of a speech-language therapist in the evaluation of the answer.…”