Telerehabilitation Delivery of Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT Tele): A Pilot Feasibility Trial

Multi-Modality Aphasia Therapy (M-MAT) is a cost-effective group intervention for post stroke aphasia. M-MAT was recently adapted for telerehabilitation but has not yet been tested. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary signs of efficacy, providing 30 hours of M-MAT Tele to three groups of three people with chronic aphasia. Participants were grouped according to aphasia severity. Clinical outcomes were assessed at three timepoints. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through a range of trial measures including recruitment, adherence, treatment fidelity and overall participant ratings. Recruitment targets were achieved, with nine participants receiving a median 24.4h of the prescribed dose. Therapy integrity and adherence were high (94%), effect sizes favoured positive clinical change, and acceptability was strong based on participant and therapist feedback. Minor protocol/software changes were recommended. This pilot study showed that M-MAT Tele was acceptable and feasible to participants and therapists, with positive preliminary outcomes.