The Effect of Combining Inhibitory Control and Errorless Naming Treatment on Word Retrieval Deficits in Patients with Aphasia: Design and Protocol of a Pilot Randomized Double-Blinded Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: The relation between language deficits and inhibitory control as the hallmark component of executive function in persons with aphasia is controversial. Studies that have been done in aphasia syndrome and language impairment have documented difficulties in executive function abilities as well. Inhibitory control issues are common in aphasic persons who demonstrate word retrieval deficits. The current project is a study protocol with the aim to develop a treatment paradigm, which simultaneously considers word retrieval and inhibitory control mechanism. Methods: A total of 20 literate, right-handed, 30 to 65 years-old native Farsi speakers with post stroke aphasia without severe motor speech disorder will be recruited to participate in this randomized, double-blind clinical trial protocol. Subjects in 2 experimental and active control groups will undergo 12 sessions of treatment. The experimental group will include 10 patients who receive the combined treatment and the rest of patients in the active control group will be presented the errorless naming treatment. A 2nd speech and language pathologist will evaluate the participants before and after the treatment and at 1 month follow up. Discussion: Based on previous studies that suggest the co-morbidity of word retrieval deficits and inhibitory control problems in aphasia syndrome, it is predicted that the combined treatment will affect word retrieval deficits more than errorless naming treatment alone.