Effects of therapy targeted at verb retrieval and the realisation of the predicate argument structure: A case study

Abstract

Background: Verb retrieval and sentence production difficulties are both common features of aphasia. Previous treatment studies have focused predominantly on verb retrieval and the mapping of semantic and syntactic structure. There have been more limited investigations of the production of the predicate argument structure (PAS). Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of intensive therapy for a client with aphasia. NS had multiple and interacting difficulties that resulted in problems in producing sentences. Therapy aimed to improve his sentence production by: (a) improving the retrieval of verbs, (b) increasing his awareness of the relationship between nouns and verbs, and (c) improving his production of one-, two-, and three-argument structures. The therapy thus targeted access to PAS information and PAS production as well as verb retrieval. Methods & Procedures:A period of intensive therapy, based around a set of 48 self-selected verbs, was preceded and followed by detailed assessment of NS's single word and sentence production and comprehension. Outcomes & Results: Therapy resulted in a significant improvement in NS's retrieval of the verbs involved in treatment but no generalisation to other verbs. His production of sentences showed more widespread changes. He produced more nouns within sentences, omitted fewer obligatory arguments, and produced a greater variety of argument structures in connected speech. Conclusions: Therapy resulted in a greater awareness of the need for a verb within a sentence and a strategy for producing the argument structure frame around that verb. Improved sentence production was therefore seen, although verb retrieval difficulties were still evident. The study replicates previous research that verb and sentence production difficulties can be treated effectively in people with aphasia. The effects of therapy on sentence production in constrained tasks and narrative speech are discussed.

Application of semantic feature analysis to retrieval of action names in aphasia

“…However, an increasing number of investigations have addressed treatment of verb retrieval [5][6][7][8][9]. Targeting verb retrieval is potentially an important component of aphasia rehabilitation because verbs not only carry critical meaning but also have important functions in the structural formulation of sentences [10].…”

Effects of syntactic cueing therapy on picture naming and connected speech in acquired aphasia

“…In aphasia that knowledge may be damaged, and therapy therefore needs to target the damaged syntactic components, not just the verbs' phonological or semantic properties. Jones (1986) and Webster et al (2005) treated verbs and their argument structures, and found generalization to narrative speech. It is feasible that a similar approach targeting nouns and their syntax will also yield positive results.…”

“…Byng et al, 1994;Fink et al, 1992;Jones, 1986;Webster et al, 2005). The approach assumes a close relationship between the semantic and syntactic properties of a verb.…”

“…Byng, Nickels & Black, 1994;Fink, Martin, Schwartz et al, 1992;Jones, 1986;Webster, Morris & Franklin, 2005). Of interest then is the degree to which such a therapy will impact on not only picture naming, but crucially on word retrieval in connected speech.…”

The training of verb production in Broca's aphasia: A multiple‐baseline across‐behaviours study

“…Some of these showed an increase in verb retrieval abilities after training (Linebaugh, Baron, & Corcoran, 1998;McNeil, Doyle, Spencer, Goda, Flores, & Small, 1998;Raymer & Ellsworth, 2002;Wambaugh, Doyle, Martinez, & Kalinyak-Fliszar, 2002;Webster & Morris, 2005; see also Rodriguez, Raymer, & Gonzalez-Rothi, 2006 this issue), although generalisation to untreated items was not always found. In some participants better sentence production was reported after verb production training.…”