Authors: Poeck K, Huber W, Willmes K
Title: Outcome of intensive language treatment in aphasia
Source: Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders 1989 54: 471-479
Year: 1989
Research Design: Non Randomised Controlled Trial
Rating Score: 04/10
This rating is confirmed
Eligibility specified - Y
Random allocation - N
Concealed allocation - N
Baseline comparability - N
Blind subjects - N
Blind therapists - N
Blind assessors - Y
Adequate follow-up - Y
Intention-to-treat analysis - N
Between-group comparisons - Y
Point estimates and variability - Y
Abstract:

68 aphasic inpatients received intensive language treatment (9 hrs/wk over a period of 6-8 wks). Outcome was assessed by means of the Aachen Aphasia Test (AAT), a standardized test battery for the German language. For Ss with duration of aphasia up to 12 mo, amount of improvement was corrected by expected rate of spontaneous recovery as determined by a previous multicenter follow-up study of 92 German aphasic stroke patients (K. Willmes and K. Poeck, 1984). About two-thirds of the present sample showed significant improvements in AAT performance according to psychometric single case analysis procedures. A similar rate of improvement was found for Ss with chronic aphasia beyond the stage of spontaneous recovery.
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