A systematic review of melodic intonation therapy used by speech therapists on speech recovery for patients with non-fluent aphasia

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Background: Many studies have reported positive results regarding the benefits of melodic intonation therapy (MIT) in patients with non-fluent aphasia. Currently, there is no specific inclusion of speech therapists (STs) in MIT research. Investigating effective speech therapy (ST) techniques to address the language functions hindered by non-fluent aphasia could yield evidence for aphasia rehabilitation research. Objective: This systematic review (SR) examines the effectiveness of the traditional MIT protocol used by STs on speech recovery for patients with non-fluent aphasia after stroke. It also discusses other characteristics of the traditional MIT, such as the participants, the MIT protocol applied, the therapy intensity, and the role of STs. Materials and methods: This SR followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2020 statement. The four computerized databases (PubMed, Embase, ICTRP, and Google Scholar) were searched in February 2024 to review all empirical findings. We also conducted a hand search in relevant journals. The search yielded 538 studies, of which 2 met the criteria and underwent review. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing the risk of bias. Furthermore, the protocol was registered in PROSPERO under the reference CRD42024508733. Results: This review included 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 44 patients. We found evidence that MIT significantly improved speech recovery, precise language repetition, and functional communication in patients with non-fluent aphasia. STs were interventionists in MIT research and used MIT following the American manual, and they had previously received MIT training. Conclusion: Our review provides some evidence of the effectiveness of MIT on speech recovery in patients with non-fluent aphasia after stroke. MIT may be a practical alternative to standard ST. There is some indication that MIT requires music therapy (MT) skills and training; therefore, STs must also have these abilities.