Constraint-induced aphasia therapy in subacute neurorehabilitation

Authors :: Lisbeth Frølund Kristensen
Asger Roer Pedersen
Anders Degn Pedersen
Inger Steensig
Jørgen Feldbæk Nielsen
Source :: Kristensen, L F, Steensig, I, Pedersen, A D, Pedersen, A R & Nielsen, J F 2015, ' Constraint-induced aphasia therapy in subacute neurorehabilitation ', Aphasiology, vol. 29, no. 10, pp. 1152-1163 . https://doi.org/10.1080/02687038.2015.1028328
Publication Year :: 2015
Publisher :: Informa UK Limited, 2015.
Abstract: Background: Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT) is an intensive, short-term speech and language therapy. Previous research indicates that CIAT can lead to lasting improvements in chronic aphasia. CIAT in the subacute phase of recovery has only been sparsely investigated and only in modified versions compared to the original protocol.Aims: The aim of the current pilot study was to investigate unmodified CIAT in stroke patients in the subacute phase of recovery in the frame of an inpatient multidisciplinary neurorehabilitation program.Methods & Procedures: Eleven stroke patients with subacute aphasia completed 30 hr of CIAT in 10 weekdays. Language functions as well as the amount and quality of communication were assessed four times, before the control period, pre- and post-CIAT, and at follow-up. The primary outcome measure was Western Aphasia Battery. Secondary measures were the Danish adaptions of Communication Effectiveness Index and of Communication Effectiveness Profile. Issues of applicability ...