Efficacy of language games as therapy for post stroke aphasia
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Efficacy of language games as therapy for post-stroke aphasia
IRAS ID
165389
Contact name
Andrew Olson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aphasia is a language impairment experienced by about one third of stroke patients. This often devastating condition is treated by speech and language therapists (SLTs). There is evidence that language games delivered at the right intensity are an efficacious means of improving communication for people with post-stroke aphasia. However, it is unclear which mechanism of language facilitation used in a game works best. This study will provide evidence for the “active ingredient” of a game, together with measures of efficacy, feasibility and enjoyment, compared to standard aphasia therapy. The possibility of delivering language game therapy alongside standard therapy will be explored, to ascertain whether this is a means to boost intensity and improve outcomes.
Participants will be recruited from the adult SLT caseload of Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Trust (BCHC) and Birmingham branches of the Stroke Association. They will have suffered a stroke, and be diagnosed with expressive aphasia, understanding of language being relatively spared. Language games will take place at Moor Green Brain Injury Unit, Moseley Hall Hospital, University of Birmingham and Aston University. The students will organise and facilitate the games. Games will be played by 6 participants at a time.
Participants with moderate-severe difficulties will play naming games, (naming picture cards) involving self-cuing using gesture and circumlocution. Those with mild difficulties will play story-telling games, using similar self-cuing techniques. Each language game (3 games in total) will be played for approximately 18 hours, spread over 2 weeks. Change in language performance will be compared with that achieved following an episode of standard aphasia therapy from their local SLT.
This study will contribute to the search for cost effective treatment for post-stroke aphasia, which offers ease and flexibility of delivery, is enjoyable and motivating for patients, and works.
The research is being undertaken as part of an educational programme.REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/WM/0210
Date of REC Opinion
1 Jul 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion