Developing a new aphasia therapy for a virtual world: the Virtual Elaborated Semantic Features Analysis (VESFA)...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Stroke research highlights the need for interventions targeting wellbeing and communication in aphasia.
• Existing interventions often lack focus on situated language use and holistic wellbeing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development of a novel communication and wellbeing intervention for individuals with aphasia.
• To introduce Virtual Elaborated Semantic Feature Analysis (VESFA) delivered within the virtual environment EVA Park.
• To address deficits in word finding, situated language use, and overall wellbeing post-stroke.

Main Methods:

• Development followed the Medical Research Council framework for complex interventions.
• Integrated evidence from literature reviews, semantic processing theories, and situated learning theories.
• Involved co-design with people with aphasia and speech and language therapists.

Main Results:

• Synthesized evidence on semantic word retrieval and situated conversation interventions.
• Incorporated theories including Hebbian learning and semantic spreading activation.
• Stakeholder feedback informed intervention content, regimen, and clinical implementation.

Conclusions:

• Virtual Elaborated Semantic Feature Analysis is a user-informed, theory-based intervention for aphasia.
• The intervention is designed to enhance word finding and situated conversational abilities.
• Expected outcomes include improvements in communication and overall wellbeing for individuals with aphasia.