Abstract
A number of evidence revealed a link between temporal information processing (TIP) and language. Both literature data and results of our studies indicated an overlapping of deficient TIP and disordered language, pointing to the existence of an association between these two functions. On this background the new approach is to apply such knowledge in therapy of patients suffering from language disorders. In two studies we asked the following questions: (1) can the temporal training reduce language deficits in aphasic patients (Study 1) or in children with specific language impairment (SLI, Study 2)? (2) can such training ameliorate also the other cognitive functions? Each of these studies employed pre-training assessment, training application, post-training and follow-up assessment. In Study 1 we tested 28 patients suffering from post-stroke aphasia. They were assigned either to the temporal training (Group A, n = 15) in milliseconds range, or to the non-temporal training (Group B, n = 13). Following the training we found only in Group A improved TIP, accompanied by a transfer of improvement to language and working memory functions. In Study 2 we tested 32 children aged from 5 to 8 years, affected by SLI who were classified into the temporal training (Group A, n = 17) or non-temporal training (Group B, n = 15). Group A underwent the multileveled audio-visual computer training Dr. Neuronowski®, recently developed in our laboratory. Group B performed the computer speech therapy exercises extended by playing computer games. Similarly as in Study 1, in Group A we found significant improvements of TIP, auditory comprehension and working memory. These results indicated benefits of temporal training for amelioration of language and other cognitive functions in both aphasic patients and children with SLI. The novel powerful therapy tools provide evidence for future promising clinical applications.
Highlights
One of the foundations in modern neuropsychology is the consistent observation that human speech has a dynamic nature and can be analyzed on different temporal levels (Pöppel, 1997)
Alertness: median RT in Group A was significantly longer (Z = −2.676; p < 0.007) pre-training (−x = 438 ms) than post-training (−x = 384 ms). Such difference in Group B was Summary of Results The application of the temporal training (Group A) in children with specific language impairment (SLI) ameliorated significantly temporal information processing (TIP) which was reflected in lower ATOT values, as well as language skills observed in PDPseudo, Phoneme Discrimination for Words (PDWords), Structures Comprehension (SSC) and Token Test-36
Two studies reported here measured the effects of temporal and non-temporal trainings on TIP, language skills and other cognitive functions in two language-disordered groups, i.e., in adult individuals suffering from post-stroke aphasia (Study 1) and in children with SLI (Study 2)
Summary
One of the foundations in modern neuropsychology is the consistent observation that human speech has a dynamic nature and can be analyzed on different temporal levels (Pöppel, 1997). There is strong evidence supporting the thesis that temporal information processing (TIP) on both milliand multisecond range is a critical factor for speech reception and expression, and provides an Timing in language disorders therapy important insight into how our brains process language in norm and pathology (Szelag et al, 2004; Szelag et al, 2011a). Strong evidence indicated that various language deficits in children and adults may be associated with deficient TIP (Fink et al, 2006). It has been believed that these impairments have similar underpinnings related to deficient TIP. In light of this evidence, the present report is focused on aphasia following cerebral infarction in adults (Study 1) and SLI in children (Study 2)
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