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Outcomes of an App-Based Intervention to Target Naming Among Individuals With Poststroke Aphasia: Virtual Randomized
Esther S Kim1, Laura Laird2,3, Carlee Wilson1
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, 2-70 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2G4, Canada, 1 7804925980.
JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth
|September 17, 2025
Summary
Mobile app therapy for aphasia improved naming and quality of life in chronic stages. VoiceAdapt training showed measurable gains, offering an accessible home rehabilitation option for individuals with persistent communication deficits.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Neurology
- Digital health
Background:
- Aphasia causes significant lexical retrieval (naming) deficits, persisting post-rehabilitation.
- Mobile apps offer intensive, accessible speech-language therapy for aphasia.
- App-based therapies show promise for improving communication outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preliminary clinical efficacy of the VoiceAdapt mobile app for naming impairments in people with aphasia.
- To assess language and communication outcomes following app-based training.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a waitlist-controlled crossover design.
- Participants engaged in 5 weeks of app-based naming practice using Semantic Features Analysis and Phonological Components Analysis.
- Primary outcome: Boston Naming Test; Secondary outcomes: Western Aphasia Battery-Revised, Communication Effectiveness Index, Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39.
Main Results:
- VoiceAdapt training led to a statistically significant increase in naming performance (Boston Naming Test score increase of 1.6 points).
- Improvements were noted on trained items and naming subtests of the WAB-R.
- Participants reported significant improvements in communication quality of life.
Conclusions:
- The VoiceAdapt app demonstrated measurable gains in naming and communication quality of life for individuals with chronic aphasia.
- Remote delivery of app-based therapy is effective for chronic aphasia.
- App-based interventions provide accessible, cost-effective rehabilitation options for long-term aphasia recovery.
