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Megan R Bartlett1, Ruth B Fink, Myrna F Schwartz
1Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Aphasiology
|July 24, 2008
Summary
SentenceShaper (SSR) improved spoken language production in individuals with aphasia, enhancing narrative informativeness. Preliminary evidence also suggests topic-specific carryover effects from using SSR.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Assistive Technology
- Neurorehabilitation
Background:
- SentenceShaper (SSR) is a computer program designed to aid spoken language production in individuals with aphasia.
- Previous research indicated an "aided effect" of SSR on utterance length and grammatical complexity in story-plot narratives.
- This study investigates SSR's impact on functional narratives and listener perceptions of informativeness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate SentenceShaper's aided effects in functional narratives for individuals with aphasia.
- To evaluate listener judgments of informativeness in aided versus unaided speech samples.
- To explore preliminary evidence of topic-specific carryover effects from SentenceShaper use.
Main Methods:
- Five individuals with chronic aphasia produced narratives on two topics under three conditions: Unaided (U), Aided (SSR), and Post-SSR Unaided (Post-U).
- A total of 30 speech samples were randomized and rated for informativeness by speech-language pathology graduate students using Direct Magnitude Estimation (DME).
- Statistical analysis involved repeated measures ANOVAs to assess the effect of the condition on informativeness ratings.
Main Results:
- A significant "aided effect" (SSR > U) was observed for four out of five participants on at least one topic.
- Listener judgments indicated that functional narratives produced with SentenceShaper were perceived as more informative than unaided narratives.
- Preliminary evidence of topic-specific carryover (Post-U > U) was found in two participants.
Conclusions:
- SentenceShaper (SSR) enhances the informativeness of functional narratives for individuals with aphasia, supporting previous findings of aided effects.
- The study provides initial evidence for topic-specific carryover, suggesting SSR may aid in practicing for real-world communication.
- These findings underscore the potential of SentenceShaper as a valuable tool in speech-language pathology interventions for aphasia.
