| Abstract: |
PURPOSE: Optimal dosage parameters are underspecified for aphasia therapy. This study evaluated effects of small doses of conversational script training in individuals with chronic poststroke aphasia., METHOD: Ten adults with chronic poststroke aphasia completed 2 hr of computerized conversational script training on two consecutive days via AphasiaScripts. Accuracy and rate of production of a trained and an untrained conversational script were probed at three baseline timepoints and various timepoints after the first and second treatment sessions up to 2 weeks posttreatment. Generalization in accuracy of trained script production was evaluated through a live conversational interaction. Mixed-effects linear regression models evaluated changes in accuracy and rate of script production across timepoints., RESULTS: Participants showed significantly improved accuracy and rate of trained script production immediately following 1 and 2 hr of treatment. Gains in script production accuracy and rate were maintained up to 1 week posttreatment. Generalization probe production accuracy improved significantly from baseline to immediately posttreatment and 2 weeks posttreatment., CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in production of trained conversational scripts following 1 and 2 hr of treatment can be documented in individuals with poststroke aphasia. These results provide estimates for the effects of 1 and 2 hr of conversational script training that can be used in future dosage manipulations., SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.28339925. |
