Effect of Acupuncture Combined With Computer-Assisted Cognitive Training on Language and Cognitive Functions in...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Poststroke aphasia (PSA) impairs language and cognition, with limited interventions addressing both.
• Current rehabilitation often focuses on single domains, leaving a gap in comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a combined acupuncture and computer-assisted cognitive rehabilitation (ACR) intervention.
• To assess ACR's impact on language and nonverbal cognitive function in PSA patients.

Main Methods:

• A single-center randomized controlled trial involving 80 PSA patients.
• Participants were assigned to either ACR plus standard speech and language therapy (SLT) or SLT alone.
• Outcomes measured using Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R) and Non-language-based Cognitive Assessment (NLCA) at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• The ACR group showed significantly greater improvements in WAB-R Aphasia Quotient at 4 and 12 weeks compared to the SLT group.
• Significant gains were observed in WAB-R subdomains (Spontaneous Speech, Auditory Comprehension, Repetition, Naming).
• Substantial improvements in nonverbal cognitive function (NLCA) were noted in the ACR group with moderate-to-large effect sizes.

Conclusions:

• The ACR intervention significantly improved language and cognitive functions in PSA patients.
• This multimodal approach demonstrates promise for comprehensive aphasia rehabilitation.
• ACR offers a clinically meaningful therapeutic strategy for individuals with poststroke aphasia.