Self-Administered Computer Therapy for Apraxia of Speech: Two-Period Randomized Control Trial With Crossover.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Limited evidence exists for effective post-stroke apraxia of speech interventions.
• Self-administered computer therapy is explored as a potential rehabilitation method.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of self-administered computer therapy for post-stroke apraxia of speech.
• To compare speech intervention with a visuospatial sham program.

Main Methods:

• A parallel-group, 2-period, crossover trial involving 50 participants with chronic apraxia of speech.
• Participants received either speech therapy first or a sham program first.
• Outcomes measured naming and repetition of treated and untreated words.

Main Results:

• The speech-first group showed significant improvements in naming and repetition.
• Improvements were noted for treated words, with limited generalization to untreated words.
• Speech gains were largely maintained post-intervention, and treatment dose correlated with response.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral intervention, specifically self-administered computerized therapy, can enhance single-word production in chronic apraxia of speech.
• Computerized therapy presents a viable, high-intensity option for speech and language rehabilitation.