Efficacy of a self‐administered treatment using a smart tablet to improve functional vocabulary in post‐stroke aphasia: a case‐series study

Abstract

Background Aphasia is an acquired language disorder that occurs secondary to brain injury, such as stroke. It causes communication difficulties that have a significant impact on quality of life and social relationships. Although the efficacy of speech–language therapy has been clearly demonstrated in this population, long‐term services are currently limited due to logistical and financial constraints. In this context, the potential contribution of technology, such as smart tablets, is worth exploring, especially to improve vocabulary that is relevant in daily life. Aims The main aim was to investigate the efficacy of a self‐administered treatment using a smart tablet to improve naming of functional words in post‐stroke anomia. Methods & Procedures Four adults with post‐stroke aphasia took part in the study. An ABA design with multiple baselines was used to compare naming performances for four equivalent lists: (1) trained with functional words chosen with the participant; (2) trained with words randomly chosen from a picture database; (3) exposed but not trained; and (4) not exposed (control). Outcomes & Results For all participants, the treatment self‐administered at home (four times/week for 4 weeks) resulted in a significant improvement for both sets of trained words that was maintained 2 months after the end of treatment. Moreover, in two participants, evidence of generalization to conversation was found. Conclusions & Implications This study confirms the efficacy of using smart tablets to improve naming in post‐stroke aphasia. Although more studies are needed, the use of new technologies is unquestionably a promising approach to improve communication skills in people with aphasia, especially by targeting vocabulary that is relevant to them in their daily lives.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Fractional Anisotropy (FA) for Arcuate Fasciculus in Predicting Post-Stroke Aphasia Outcome

“…Aphasia means impairment of comprehension or speech task, verbal communication skills as well as the capacity to read or write due to cerebral damage. Aphasia due to cerebral stroke is the most common type of aphasia (9) . The use of both methods of structural and functional neuroimaging on post-stroke patients has aided in a better understanding of the anatomical and metabolic variables that influence aphasia rehabilitation.…”

Smart home technology: Challenges and opportunities for collaborative governance and policy research

“…Diminishing cognitive abilities will necessarily result in a progressive reduction in the ability of residents to navigate SHT. Though self-administered treatments with tablets can be effective at helping residents recover from events like strokes (Lavoie et al, 2019), the technology must be used correctly. Granted, cognitive decline is part of the decision of when to transition a resident to nursing home care (Buhr et al, 2006), but governments wishing to obtain maximal benefits from SHT must consider the risks of technology and user failures prior to transition.…”

État de l'art sur les applications dédiées à la rééducation de personnes aphasiques

“…Aussi les méthodes de rééducation qui suivent des procédures plus rigides ont été appliquées avec succès. Les travail de [59] a mis en oeuvre à la fois les méthodes VNeST et SFA avec des améliorations observées dans les résultats, tandis que [36] n'a appliqué que SFA. La méthode CILT a également été utilisée dans deux des articles avec [25] qui reste proche du format original et [57] qui emploie un dérivé.…”