Constraint-induced aphasia therapy following sub-acute stroke: a single-blind, randomised clinical trial of a modified therapy schedule. Issue 1 (4th July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sickert, Almut; Anders, Lutz-Christian; Münte, Thomas F; Sailer, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 85:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 51
• Page End: 55
• Publication Date: 2013-07-04
• Subjects: Aphasia -- Speech Therapy -- Speech -- Randomised Trials -- Rehabilitation; Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2012-304297
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Background and purpose: The trend towards a shorter stay in rehabilitation clinic has implications for future language therapy. Constraint-induced aphasia therapy (CIAT) is administered 3 h per day for a total of 30 h of treatment. It was evaluated for patients with chronic aphasia. In the present study we investigated the efficacy of a modified CIAT schedule and included patients with sub-acute stroke. We conducted a randomised, single-blind, parallel-group study. The results were compared to those of patients who received identically intensive treatment focusing on conventional aphasia therapy. Methods: Fifty patients were treated with our modified version of CIAT and 50 received a standard aphasia therapy at the same intensity and duration. Inclusion criteria were clinical diagnosis of first-ever stroke, aphasia in the sub-acute stage and German speakers. Language function was evaluated using the Aachen Aphasia Test and the Communicative Activity Log directly before therapy onset, after the training period and at 8-week and 1-year follow-ups. Results: Patients of both groups improved significantly in all sub-tests of the Aachen Aphasia Test Battery. The improvements remained stable over a 1-year follow-up period. Patients and relatives of both groups rated daily communication as significantly improved after therapy. Conclusions: Both CIAT and conventional therapy performed with equal intensity are efficacious methods for patients with sub-acute aphasia. The modified CIAT schedule is practical in an everyday therapeutic setting. Our results indicate that a short-term intensive therapy schedule in the early aphasia stage leads to substantial improvements in language functions. Clinical Trial Registration Information: Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT01625676