Communication Activities Of Daily Living Research Articles

Cultural adaptation and psychometric analysis of Communication Activities of Daily Living third edition in Spanish and Catalan for people with aphasia.

In the Spanish and Catalan context, there is currently a lack of standardized, linguistically adapted tools to assess people with communication disorders. This lack is especially evident when it comes to instruments designed to assess functional communication. The main objective of this study is to adapt the instrument entitled Communication Activities of Daily Living 3rd edition (CADL-3) into European Spanish (CADL-3VE) and Catalan (CADL-3VC), thus providing a new tool to assess the functional communication of patients with aphasia in the Spanish and Catalan populations. A total of 152 people, all residents of Catalonia, took part in the study. The CADL-3VE test was administered to 125 Spanish-speaking participants, who were divided into two groups, one consisting of patients with aphasia and the other a control group. The CADL-3VC test was administered to 27 Catalan-speaking patients with aphasia. Other tests and assessment scales were used for the external validation of the test. Reliability scores were recorded for both new versions of the test. There was a very strong correlation between the CADL-3VE test and external criteria. The scores for both of the new versions showed significant differences in terms of performance between the aphasia and control groups. Both versions displayed similarities with the original test with respect to most of the psychometric analyses carried out. The test makes it possible to assess everyday communicative functioning and participation in real-world contexts. As such, it helps inform the creation of personalized, interdisciplinary treatment plans aimed at functional objectives that consider the patient's context. What is already known on the subject In order to effectively assess aphasia based on a bio-psycho-social perspective, it is necessary to examine functional communication. In other words, there is a need to explore the kinds of communication difficulties that people face in their everyday lives. Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL-3) is an English-language test that was developed to assess functional communication by simulating certain everyday activities. What this study adds This paper offers an analysis of the items, reliability and validity of the Spanish and Catalan versions of the CADL-3 test. What are the clinical implications of this work? This new instrument has the potential to play an essential role in assessing the everyday functional communication of people with aphasia in Spain.

The impact of a university-based intensive comprehensive aphasia programme (ICAP) on language, functional communication and quality of life in people with chronic aphasia

ABSTRACT Background Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programmes (ICAPs) are increasingly considered the preferred option for high intensity aphasia rehabilitation. This is due to the emerging evidence that shows the potential of the programme to improve language impairment as well as psychosocial wellbeing and quality of life (QoL) in persons with chronic aphasia. Aims The aim of the study was to investigate whether a university-based, student-led, online ICAP led to measurable improvements in language, functional communication and QoL in persons with aphasia (PwAs). Methods & Procedures Eleven PwAs (six women, five men; M age = 60.4 years; M time post onset = 14.6 months) participated in a 10-week ICAP that provided 36 hours of treatment in total. Outcome measures relating to language impairment, functional communication and QoL were administered before and after the ICAP and included a range of subtests of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test (CAT) and the Communication Activities of Daily Living – second edition (CADL-2), the Assessment for Living with Aphasia (ALA), the Aphasia Impact Questionnaire (AIQ-21) and the Communication Outcomes after Stroke Scale (Carer COAST). Pre- and post-ICAP performances were tested for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. In addition, effect sizes were calculated. Outcomes & Results Post-ICAP, significant gains occurred in the CAT subtests of auditory and reading comprehension as well as naming objects, with large effect sizes being noted for the subtests of reading comprehension and naming objects. Significant changes were also observed between the pre- and post-assessment scores for the AIQ-21 and the Carer COAST, whereby the latter yielded large effect sizes. By contrast, CADL-2 and ALA scores did not change significantly as a result of the ICAP intervention. Conclusions Results indicate that the ICAP effectively improved participants’ language and functional communication skills, as well as QoL for both PwAs and their communication partners. Findings further indicate that a student-led ICAP implemented in a university setting can be considered a viable and pragmatic solution to offering ICAPs to achieve the high intensity needed to effect positive changes in communication.

Delivering word retrieval therapies for people with aphasia in a virtual communication environment

ABSTRACTBackground: Delivering therapy remotely, via digital technology, can enhance provision for people with aphasia. EVA Park is a multi-user virtual island that can be used for such delivery. The first EVA Park study showed that daily language stimulation delivered via the platform improved functional communication and was positively received by users. This paper reports two single case studies, evaluating its capacity to deliver targeted language interventions. The first employed therapy for noun retrieval, using cued picture naming and modified Sematic Feature Analysis. The second employed modified Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST).Aims: This study aimed to determine if treatment delivery was feasible in EVA Park, as assessed by participant compliance, treatment fidelity and participants’ views. It explored the impact of the therapies on treated and untreated word production, connected speech and functional communication.Methods & Procedures: Two participants with aphasia each received 20 sessions of individual therapy in EVA Park, delivered over 5 weeks. Feasibility was assessed by measuring compliance with the therapy regime, recording and checking the fidelity of 20% of treatment sessions, and using post-therapy interviews to explore participant views. Treatment outcomes were evaluated via repeated measures single case designs, in which assessments were administered twice before therapy, immediately post therapy and 5 weeks later. Outcome measures included Object Picture Naming (study 1), Sentence Elicitation Pictures (study 2), Naming 84 items from the Object and Action Naming Battery (study 2), Narrative Production (Study 2), the Northwestern Assessment of Verb and Sentences: Argument Structure Production Test (Study 2) and Communication Activities of Daily Living – 2 (Study 1 and 2).Outcomes & Results: Feasibility results were excellent. Both participants were fully compliant with the therapy regime. There was at least 90% fidelity with the treatment protocols, and participant views were positive. Outcomes varied across the studies. The noun therapy significantly improved the naming of treated words, with good maintenance. Lexical gains were less evident on the Sentence Elicitation Pictures used in the VNeST study. Neither study demonstrated generalisation to untreated words, connected speech or functional communication.Conclusions: Two treatment approaches, designed for face-to-face delivery, could be delivered remotely in EVA Park. Outcomes for the noun treatment were comparable to previous evaluations. Comparisons with previous research were more challenging for VNeST, owing to differences in methodology. Further evaluations of other treatment approaches are warranted.

Improvement of Communication Skills after Traumatic Brain Injury: The Efficacy of the Cognitive Pragmatic Treatment Program using the Communicative Activities of Daily Living.

The pragmatic impairment often characterizing individuals after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly limits their independence, preventing social participation. Rehabilitation programs aim to improve the impaired capacities to help participants communicate effectively, increasing their self-perceived life quality. The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the Cognitive Pragmatic Treatment (CPT) in improving communication abilities after TBI, thus enabling better management of communication activities in daily living. Nineteen individuals with TBI in a post-acute phase completed the CPT, a group-based training program designed to improve pragmatic abilities. Pre- and post-training, participants were administered the Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL-2), and the equivalent forms of the Assessment Battery for Communication (ABaCo). Comparison of pre- and post-training performance showed an overall improvement in pragmatic abilities. Post-training, participants scored higher in communication skills on both the CADL-2 and ABaCo, with such scores remaining constant at a 3-month follow-up assessment. This study showed that the CPT was effective in improving the participants' communicative abilities. The possibility that the benefits of the CPT may generalize to everyday communicative interactions is discussed.

Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL-3) versión española. Adaptación al contexto español y análisis de fiabilidad

IntroductionAt present, no standardized test is used to provide quantification of functional communication of Spanish-speaking patients with aphasia. The aim of the study is to translate and adapt the assessment instrument called Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL-3) for use in the Spanish context and to conduct reliability analysis of the instrument. MethodsThe study was conducted with 107 patients with aphasia. The mean age was 60.68 (SD=15.104). The CADL-3 test Spanish version was individually administered. The study included stages of translation, adaptation and reliability. ResultsThe final version of the CADL-3 test Spanish version included 50 ítems with positive ratings in the expert review. The CADL-3 coefficient alpha was .949 and test-retest reliability was .903 (p<.001). ConclusionThe CADL-3 test Spanish version could provide the evaluation of patients’ ability to communicate functionally and help in the development of rehabilitation programs that respond more specifically to patient needs.

A preliminary Cantonese version of the Amsterdam-Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (ANELT)

A preliminary Cantonese version of the Amsterdam-Nijmegen Everyday Language Test (ANELT)

Investigating the Efficiency of Group Therapy on Improving Conversational Skills in People with Aphasia

Investigating the Efficiency of Group Therapy on Improving Conversational Skills in People with Aphasia

The relationship between communication activities of daily living and quality of life among the elderly suffering from stroke.

[Purpose] Disabilities after stroke are known to have adverse effects on the quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between Communication Activities of Daily Living (C-ADL) and quality life of elderly stroke patients to provide basic data for use in enhancing the quality of life. [Subjects and Methods] One hundred sixty five elderly over the age of 60, who were diagnosed as having stroke and receiving treatment in rehabilitation departments of general hospitals were surveyed. Stroke patients’ basic communication ability to survive in daily living was measured using the C-ADL Second Edition, and stroke patients’ quality of life was measured with the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life (SSQOL). The relationship between C-ADL and SSQOL was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. [Results] C-ADL had a significant positive relationship with SSQOL. [Conclusion] This result implies that it is necessary to enhance stroke patients’ communication ability in daily living in order to raise their quality of life.

Preliminary psychometric analyses of two assessment measures quantifying communicative and social activities: the COMACT and SOCACT

Background: There is a need for clinical tools that capture the real-life impact of aphasia. This study reports on a psychometric investigation of two self-report tools: the Communicative Activities Checklist and the Social Activities Checklist (COMACT; SOCACT), which assess the dimensions of communication activity and social participation in aphasia.Aims: (1) To investigate internal consistency (IC), convergent, and known validity of the COMACT and SOCACT and (2) to investigate the impact of personal contextual factors: gender, age, years in education, linguistic ability, and emotional health on communicative and social activities.Methods & Procedures: Thirty participants with mild-moderate chronic aphasia (people with aphasia (PWA); mean age 71 years, mean time post onset 41 months, mean years in education 10.77) and 75 control neurologically healthy participants (NHP; mean age 74 years, mean years in education 13.18) completed the COMACT and SOCACT reporting how frequently they engaged in particular activities. The COMACT has 45 communication activities with subscales of Talking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. The SOCACT contains 20 social activities with subscales of Leisure, Informal, and Formal. IC was examined using Cronbach’s alpha (α). Correlations with published assessments, Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and Communication Activities of Daily Living were computed for COMACT only. Multiple regression models were examined for differences in participant (PWA vs. NHP) performance on COMACT and SOCACT.Outcomes & Results: Total COMACT IC was 0.83 (PWA) and 0.84 (NHP). Following deletion of four items, to further improve subscale ICs, total COMACT IC was 0.83 (PWA) and 0.86 (NHP). COMACT total score and WAB AQ were moderately correlated (r = 0.55). Total SOCACT IC was 0.58 (PWA) and 0.63 (NHP). Following single item deletion, total IC was 0.65 (PWA) and 0.64 (NHP). Statistical analysis revealed PWA, in comparison to NHP, participated in significantly fewer communication and social activities. Personal contextual factors impacted both groups differently; particular aspects were associated with communication activity (age and language severity) and social activity (age only). For NHP, ageing, emotional health and years in education were significant predictors of social and communication activity.Conclusions: This study finds the COMACT to be a reliable, valid measure of communication activity. The SOCACT had “questionable” IC and requires further psychometric investigation. Both tools demonstrate known group validity. Relationships between impairment-level and personal contextual factors for communication activity and social participation are highlighted.

Validation of Communication Activities of Daily Living- Second Edition (CADL-2) on Arab Aphasics: Controlled Study

Background: While language-related tests including communication activities of daily living-second edition (CADL-2) test showed that alike were able to test language-related functional and communication skills, psychoneurolinguists and speech language pathologists/ Therapists (SLP/Ts)’s responses varied between accepting or rejecting the results of this test. Purpose: Previous studies suggest that results of CADL-2 do not differ with both gender aphasics suffering from different language impairments. Thus, the current study tested the validity and reliability of this test among Arab aphasics. Design: CADL-2 Pre-and-posttest was administered twice in three weeks to test the communication activities of daily living of 100 aphasic participants of both sexes. Settings: Al Khars hospital in Al Ahsa’a, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Participants: A total of 100 (50 men and 50 women) gender aphasic participants who suffer from different language deficits were enrolled in this experimental study. Procedures: Having the English version of CADL-2 translated into Arabic and standardized by three Arabic language experts, the first CADL-2 (Arabic version) test (pre-test) was administered to the participants under investigation in the first week and after two weeks (exactly at the end of the third week)., the second CADL-2 (posttest) was administered. Both tests were conducted in natural environment without any influence from testers or participants’ families. Interventions: Results including gender-specific differences were qualitatively and statistically analyzed and comparisons were made to illustrate these results. Main outcomes &amp; Results: The analysis results of each aphasic participant show that no significant differences were observed in CADL-2 pre-and-posttest. The test could test what it was supposed to test. Moreover, the results of the participants’ pre-and-posttest are similar with mean of percentile in the pre-and-posttest surging 29.5% and 28.6% and Stanine scores surging 3.4% and 3.32% for males in comparison to the female aphasic participants who scored 28.16% and 28.78% in the percentile and 3.38% and 3.38% in the Stanine scores. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the level of aphasics’ communication activities is low. Such results prove that the test is also reliable. Conclusions &amp; Implications: CADL-2 is considered to be a validated tool for the assessment of Arab aphasic patients of both sexes. These results also provide much needed quantitative data for the diagnosis of language impairments in Arab aphasic patients.

Validation of Communication Activities of Daily Living- Second Edition (CADL-2) on Arab Aphasics: Controlled Study

Background: While language-related tests including communication activities of daily living-second edition (CADL-2) test showed that alike were able to test language-related functional and communication skills, psychoneurolinguists and speech language pathologists/ Therapists (SLP/Ts)’s responses varied between accepting or rejecting the results of this test. Purpose: Previous studies suggest that results of CADL-2 do not differ with both gender aphasics suffering from different language impairments. Thus, the current study tested the validity and reliability of this test among Arab aphasics. Design: CADL-2 Pre-and-posttest was administered twice in three weeks to test the communication activities of daily living of 100 aphasic participants of both sexes. Settings: Al Khars hospital in Al Ahsa’a, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Participants: A total of 100 (50 men and 50 women) gender aphasic participants who suffer from different language deficits were enrolled in this experimental study. Procedures: Having the English version of CADL-2 translated into Arabic and standardized by three Arabic language experts, the first CADL-2 (Arabic version) test (pre-test) was administered to the participants under investigation in the first week and after two weeks (exactly at the end of the third week)., the second CADL-2 (posttest) was administered. Both tests were conducted in natural environment without any influence from testers or participants’ families. Interventions: Results including gender-specific differences were qualitatively and statistically analyzed and comparisons were made to illustrate these results. Main outcomes &amp; Results: The analysis results of each aphasic participant show that no significant differences were observed in CADL-2 pre-and-posttest. The test could test what it was supposed to test. Moreover, the results of the participants’ pre-and-posttest are similar with mean of percentile in the pre-and-posttest surging 29.5% and 28.6% and Stanine scores surging 3.4% and 3.32% for males in comparison to the female aphasic participants who scored 28.16% and 28.78% in the percentile and 3.38% and 3.38% in the Stanine scores. Taken together, the results demonstrate that the level of aphasics’ communication activities is low. Such results prove that the test is also reliable. Conclusions &amp; Implications: CADL-2 is considered to be a validated tool for the assessment of Arab aphasic patients of both sexes. These results also provide much needed quantitative data for the diagnosis of language impairments in Arab aphasic patients.

Validity and Reliability of Communication Activities of Daily Living- Second Edition (CADL-2) and Assessment of Language-Related Functional Activities (ALFA) Tests: Evidence from Arab Aphasics

Background: Validation of communication activities of daily living-second edition (CADL-2) and assessment of language-related functional activities (ALFA) tests is a critical investment decision, and activities related to language impairments often are underestimated. Literature indicates that age factors, and gender differences may affect the performance of the aphasics. Thus, understanding these influential factors is highly important to psychoneurolinguists and speech language pathologists (SLPs). Purpose: The goal of this study is twofold: (1) to in/validate CADL-2 and ALFA tests, and (2) to investigate whether or not the two assessment tests are reliable. Design: A comparative study is made between the results obtained from the analyses of the Arabic versions of CADL-2 and ALFA tests. Settings: Al Khars hospital in Al Ahsa’a, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Participants: The communication activities of daily-living and language-related functional activities were assessed from the obtained results of 100 adult aphasics (50 males, 50 females; ages 16 to 65). Procedures: Firstly, the two translated and standardized Arabic versions of CADL-2 and ALFA tests were introduced to the Arab aphasics under investigation. Armed with the new two versions of the tests, one of the researchers assessed the language-related functional communication and activities. Outcomes drawn from the obtained analysis of the comparative studies were then qualitatively and statistically analyzed. Main outcomes and Results: Regarding the validity of CADL-2 and ALFA, it is found that …. Is more valid in both pre-and posttests. Concerning the reliability of the two tests, it is found that ….is more reliable in both pre-and-posttests which undoubtedly means that …..is more trustable. Nor must we forget to indicate here that the relationship between age and gender was very weak due to that no remarkable gender differences between the two in both CADL-2 and ALFA pre-and-posttests. Conclusions &amp; Implications: CADL-2 and ALFA tests were found to be valid and reliable tests. In contrast to previous studies, age and gender were not significantly associated with the results of validity and reliability of the two assessment tests. In clearer terms, age and gender patterns do not affect the validation of these two tests. Future studies might focus on complex questions including the use of CADL-2 and ALFA functionally; how gender and puberty influence the results in case the sample is large; the effects of each type of aphasia on the final outcomes, and measurements’ results of imaging techniques.

Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes from Two Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs

Positive outcomes from intensive therapy for individuals with aphasia have been reported in the literature. Little is known about the characteristics of individuals who attend intensive comprehensive aphasia programs (ICAPs) and what factors may predict who makes clinically significant changes when attending such programs. Demographic data on participants from 6 ICAPs showed that individuals who attend these programs spanned the entire age range (from adolescence to late adulthood), but they generally tended to be middle-aged and predominantly male. Analysis of outcome data from 2 of these ICAPs found that age and gender were not significant predictors of improved outcome on measures of language ability or functional communication. However, time post onset was related to clinical improvement in functional communication as measured by the Communication Activities of Daily Living, second edition (CADL-2). In addition, for one sample, initial severity of aphasia was related to outcome on the Western Aphasia Battery–Revised, such that individuals with more severe aphasia tended to show greater recovery compared to those with mild aphasia. Initial severity of aphasia also was highly correlated with changes in CADL-2 scores. These results suggest that adults of all ages with aphasia in either the acute or chronic phase of recovery can continue to show positive improvements in language ability and functional communication with intensive treatment.

Factors influencing oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among the frail elderly residing in the community with their family

The purpose of the present study was to identify factors that influence quality of life (QoL) among frail elderly individuals residing in the community, in order to improve the level of home care related to oral health. Participants were 100 pairs comprising elderly individuals requiring care and their family caregivers. Questionnaire items for the family caregivers related to demographic variables, hours spent caregiving per day, and duration of caregiving. Questionnaire items for the elderly recipients of care concerned demographic variables, activities of daily living (ADL), and cognitive status. According to bivariate analysis, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) was significantly related to basic ADL, communication ADL (CADL), dysphagia risk, and duration of caregiving. From multiple regression analysis, dysphagia risk and CADL were extracted as factors influencing OHRQoL. Assessment of OHRQoL will be useful not only to detect oral health needs but also to evaluate the effect of oral health care in the elderly.

Accuracy of formal tests for diagnosing mild aphasia: An application of evidence‐based medicine

Background: Normal elderly and mildly aphasic individuals may exhibit similar impairments in language comprehension and expression. Accurate differential diagnosis is essential for providing a prognosis, focusing treatment, and justifying reimbursement for services.Aims: We employed the principles of evidence‐based medicine to examine the accuracy of two general language tests (Porch Index of Communicative Ability; Western Aphasia Battery) and two functional communication tests (Communication Activities of Daily Living; American Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association's Functional Assessment of Communication Skills for Adults) for diagnosing mild aphasia, beyond individual clinical expertise.Methods & Procedures: The test performance of 10 mildly aphasic patients was compared with that of 10 non‐brain‐injured (NBI) adults. An operational definition of aphasia was applied as a reference standard for correct diagnosis. Pre‐test and post‐test diagnostic probabilities were compared, using the likelihood ratio as an index of accuracy.Outcomes & Results: In our sample, obtained positive likelihood ratios ranged from 3.00 to 6000.60, and the post‐test probability of a correct positive diagnosis ranged from 91% to 100%. However, the pre‐test probability of a correct positive diagnosis was already high (70–100%), because information necessary to diagnose correctly was available to the clinician prior to formal test administration. Thus, an overall score derived from subsequent administration of a formal test added, at best, moderate improvement over individual clinical expertise. The tests may prove more important for clinicians uncertain of a patient's diagnosis or for diagnosing “borderline” patients whose symptoms are unclear. For pre‐test probabilities between 40% and 60%, administration of one of the formal tests we examined may increase or decrease diagnostic probability by as many as 60 percentage points.Conclusion: Results indicate that overall scores derived from these tests are accurate but may or may not be important in confirming the presence or absence of mild aphasia, depending on the pre‐test probability of a positive diagnosis. Suggestions for testing the validity of our results within a wider spectrum of patients are provided.

Comprehensive activities of daily living (ADL) index for the elderly

In order to measure disability in the elderly with a variety of handicaps a comprehensive activities of daily living (ADL) index is described. This instrument, named the ADL-20, consists of 20 items from four major categories of daily activities: (1) 5 items from basic ADL for mobility (BADLm), (2) 6 items from basic ADL for self-care (BADLs), (3) 7 items from instrumental ADL (IADL), and (4) 2 items from communication ADL (CADL). Each activity is scored on a four point scale with values from 0 (total dependency) to 3 (independency). In order to study the interrater reliability of the instrument 40 subjects were examined by a physician and physiotherapist independently at the University of Tokyo Hospital on the same day. Perfect agreement rates on the assignment of the disability score ranged from 70.0% to 97.5% with 85.6% in 800 paired examinations. The kappa values for perfect agreement ranged from 0.52 to 0.88. These results may guarantee a moderate or greater degree of interrater reliability. The correlation coefficients of the Spearman test on the rating scores by the physician and physiotherapist ranged from 0.66 to 0.99 in each activity with 0.97 in total score of 20 items. This scale was employed in 110 patients at the University Hospital and 106 patients staying in the nursing home or long-stay geriatric hospital in order to study its validity. The average age of those 216 patients, 77 males and 139 females, was 76.2 years old. The Cronbach alpha value concerning the consistency of each item as ADL assessment scale was 0.97.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)