Connected Language Performance in Neurotypical and Persons with Aphasia: Use of the Brazilian-Portuguese Story Retell Procedure

Abstract

Introduction: It is important to analyze the micro- and macrostructure of connected language production across languages in neurotypical and impaired speakers such as people with aphasia (PWA). However, the validity, reliability, sensitivity, or specificity of the available Brazilian-Portuguese connected language production batteries remains untested. Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary assessment of the translated Brazilian-Portuguese Story Retell Procedure (SRP-BP) in PWA and neurotypical control participants (NCPs) and investigate whether the SRP can serve as a measure of overall communication impairment in PWA. Methods: This cross-sectional study was developed at the Federal University of São Paulo. Seven right-handed PWA and 14 NCPs were recruited. PWA had a single left-hemisphere post-stroke lesion and were without severe aphasia or non-fluent aphasia that might interfere with performing the SRP. The connected language measures calculated from the SRP-BP were the numbers of words, information units, and propositions produced. The data were analyzed with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. Results: The NCPs produced significantly more information units and propositions in each of the 12 SRP-BP stories than the PWA group. The same group results were found for the number of words for 11 of the 12 stories, with no statistically significant difference between groups for the Água (Water) story. Conclusion: The SRP-BP distinguished the connected language production of PWA from that of NCPs. These results motivate additional psychometric assessment and test development of the SRP-BP in neurotypical, PWA, and other language and cognitively impaired populations.