Attention Process Training-3 to improve reading comprehension in mild aphasia: A single-case experimental design study

Abstract

People with aphasia frequently present with nonlinguistic deficits, in addition to their compromised language abilities, which may contribute to their problems with reading comprehension. Treatment of attention, working memory and executive control may improve reading comprehension in individuals with aphasia, particularly those with mild reading problems. This single-case experimental design study evaluated the efficacy of Attention Process Training-3, an intervention combining direct attention training and metacognitive facilitation, for improving reading comprehension in individuals with mild aphasia. A multiple baseline design across six participants was used to evaluate treatment effects. The primary outcome measure was a maze reading task. Cognitive measures were administered pre- and post-treatment. Visual inspection of graphed maze reading performance data indicated a basic effect between APT-3 and improved maze reading for three of the six participants. Quantitative analyses, using Tau-U, corroborated findings identified through visual analysis. The overall effect size was significant (Tau = .48, p = .01). Results suggest that APT-3 has the potential to improve reading in individuals with aphasia, but that it may be more efficacious under certain conditions. Treatment and participant variables, including intensity of treatment and metacognitive strategy usage, are discussed as potential influences on participants' responsiveness to APT-3.

Web-based Oral Reading for Language in Aphasia (Web ORLA®): A pilot randomized control trial

“…Various computer-based treatments developed for individuals with acquired brain injury incorporate performance feedback following tasks, 36,37 which may be a factor that helps drive self-regulatory behavior and more positive outcomes following computer training. 27 In Web ORLA ® , participants have the opportunity to self-assess their independent oral productions of sentences. However, a future improvement could include program generated feedback on sentence production accuracy.…”

“…[23][24][25][26] In addition, attentional models of aphasia have motivated various treatments for aphasia with compelling findings. [27][28][29][30] Telepractice/advantages of Web ORLA ®…”

Technology-Enhanced Reading Therapy for People With Aphasia: Findings From a Quasirandomized Waitlist Controlled Study

“…It was hypothesised that this would increase the cognitive resources assigned to reading, with benefits for comprehension. Across two studies, ten individuals received a six-week attention training programme (Lee & Sohlberg, 2013;Lee, Sohlberg, Harn, Horner & Cherney, 2018). Outcomes varied, but half of those involved showed improvements on an assessment of text reading comprehension.…”

Metacognitive Treatment in Acquired Brain Injury and Its Applicability to Aphasia: A Systematic Review

“…Recent literature has emerged regarding the use of metacognitive therapy with people with aphasia (18, 25,[36][37][38]. When provided during rehabilitation of cognitive-linguistic skills, metacognitive therapies are intended to enhance selfawareness and promote greater cognitive understanding and control during IADLs.…”

“…Though ABI includes individuals with aphasia following a stroke, those with different etiologies may respond differently to treatment. Only five of the 29 studies, with a total of 15 participants, focused on metacognitive rehabilitation for people with aphasia (18, 25,[36][37][38]. Fourteen of the individuals with aphasia presented with mild to moderate aphasia, and one presented with severe aphasia.…”