Abstract W MP55: Intensive Speech Therapy Promotes Recovery in Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that Acute Post-Stroke Aphasia (APSA) improves with Intensive Speech Therapy (IST). However there is scarce research comparing IST for APSA vs Chronic Post-stroke Aphasia (CPSA), and the relation to Time Post Stroke (TPS). We hypothesized that IST creates improvement for both APSA and CPSA patients irrespective of TPS. Methods: We examined 26 participants chosen from the existing database of Austin Speech Labs, age range 23-79 yrs (mean 53 yrs). Clients that attended all eight weeks of therapy consistently were chosen. All clients received group and individual therapy using different computer applications every time they attended a session. The hours spent in therapy varied due to the individualized nature of the therapy program, but averaged 442 hours (range 80 -2,279 hours). Clients maintained their hours per week for at least eight weeks, which was defined as the IST “Boot Camp(BC)” interval. We classified clients into two groups, CPSA (n=12) and APSA (n=14) depending on TPS. CPSA clients had come to ASL at least one year post-stroke onset while APSA clients had come less than one year post-stroke. Two tests , Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) or Examining for Aphasia- Fourth Edition (EFA-4) were administered at enrollment and at discharge or every six months to avoid memorization. ASL Language Evaluation to test automatic speech, auditory comprehension, naming, reading, writing, and expressive language was done after every BC session. Results: APSA and CPSA clients differed on several levels. TPS was 1 to19.5 yrs, age was 23 - 75 yrs in CPSA compared to 0.08 - 0.75 yrs TPS, 30 - 79 yrs age in APSA. CPSA had four females(F) and nine males(M) while APSA had two F and 12 M. Using an independent samples test we found no significant differences in final scores between between APSA and CPSA participants across aphasia types. Secondly, using a bivariate correlation test, we found no correlation between TPS and post test scores across all categories. Lastly, age had no effect on treatment response; elderly and young clients improved equally with IST. Conclusion: IST can help CPSA clients as much as those with APSA. Research is continuing to determine the minimal and optimal length and duration of IST to produce and maintain improved language function.