Adaptive Naming Treatment Schedules for Aphasia
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by stroke and other acquired brain injuries that affects over two million people in the United States and which interferes with life participation and quality of life. Anomia (i.e., word- finding difficulty) is a primary frustration for people with aphasia. Picture-based naming treatments for anomia are widely used in aphasia rehabilitation, but current treatment approaches do not address the long-term retention of naming abilities and do not focus on using these naming abilities in daily life. The current research aims to evaluate novel anomia treatment approaches to improve long-term retention and generalization to everyday life. This study is one of two that are part of a larger grant. This record is for sub-study 2, which will evaluate the benefits of adaptive trial spacing.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the Adaptive Naming Treatment Schedules for Aphasia?
Research shows that using retrieval practice (practicing recalling names) and spacing (spreading out practice sessions) improves naming abilities in people with aphasia. These methods have been found to be more effective than simple repetition, suggesting that the adaptive treatment schedules could be beneficial for improving naming skills.12345
Is the Adaptive Naming Treatment for Aphasia safe for humans?
How is the Adaptive Naming Treatment for Aphasia different from other treatments?
The Adaptive Naming Treatment for Aphasia is unique because it uses adaptive spacing, which adjusts the timing between practice sessions based on the patient's performance, to enhance learning and retention of word naming. This approach contrasts with traditional methods that use fixed or random intervals, and it incorporates retrieval practice, which has been shown to be more effective than simple repetition in improving naming abilities.12345
Research Team
William Evans, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for people who have had a stroke leading to aphasia, a language disorder, and struggle with finding words. They must be at least six months post-stroke, show specific difficulties on the Comprehensive Aphasia Test, and can use telehealth services via high-speed internet. It's not for those with other neurological diseases, severe comprehension issues, uncontrolled substance dependence or serious mood disorders.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Trial Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 10 weeks of computer-based training per condition, including one-on-one and independent practice sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment with probes administered at baseline and at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months post-treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Adaptive Spacing Condition (Behavioural Intervention)
- High-Item Non-Adaptive Spacing Condition (Behavioural Intervention)
- Low-Item Non-Adaptive Spacing Condition (Behavioural Intervention)
Adaptive Spacing Condition is already approved in United States for the following indications:
- Aphasia
- Anomia
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Collaborator
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator