Relaxation training: effects on the communicative ability of aphasic adults

A verbal test battery (VTB) of four 15-item tests was administered to 16 aphasic adults following a period of relaxation training and a control period. Results indicate that verbal communication of aphasic persons is positively influenced by relaxation training. Subjects had significantly higher overall VTB scores and naming test scores following relaxation. Findings are discussed in terms of the use of relaxation procedures as an adjunct to conventional language therapy approaches for the aphasic adult.