Article

OBJECTIVE: To test the generalization of an intensive imitation-based aphasia
therapy to an unrelated narrative production task. DESIGN:
ABA design study (A=
no treatment; B= treatment) comparing imitation therapy to a baseline condition
(pre-therapy). Participants produced narratives at two pre-therapy and two
post-therapy time points. Narratives were analyzed for correct information units
to determine the number and percent of communicative words produced. SETTING: A
rehabilitation clinic and participants' homes. PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen people with
chronic aphasia following left hemisphere stroke. INTERVENTIONS: Six weeks of
intensive imitation therapy (3 x 30 minutes/day; 6 days/week) of words and
phrases delivered via dedicated laptop. MAIN MEASURES: We performed t-tests to
assess post-therapy changes in narrative production, as well as for intervals
during which no intervention was provided. We used stepwise regression to examine
the predictive value of demographic, behavioral, and neurological variables in
determining treatment outcome. RESULTS: Significant gains were made on the
narrative production task in both the number (mean = 34.36; p = 0.009) and
percent (mean = 3.99; p = 0.023) of correct information units produced. For
percent of correct information units, the number of therapy sessions completed
was the sole predictor of changes in production following therapy (r= +0.542; p =
0.020). No variables predicted change in number of correct information units
produced. There were no significant differences between the two pre-therapy or
the two post-therapy time points ( p > 0.294).
CONCLUSIONS: Intensive
imitation-based aphasia therapy may promote generalization to an unrelated
narrative production task. Further investigation is indicated.

Langue : ANGLAIS