Topic: Stroke Research Network
Conditions
Interventions
Participants will be randomly allocated to either:
1. Continuing with usual activities/therapy only
2. Using the computer therapy exercises with usual care
3. Carrying out daily puzzle book activities
Sponsors
University of Sheffield (UK)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Aged 18 or over 2. Diagnosis of stroke(s) 3. Onset of stroke at least 4 months prior to randomisation 4. Diagnosis of aphasia, subsequent to stroke, as confirmed by a trained speech and language therapist. 5. Word retrieval difficulties tested by the naming test of the Comprehensive Aphasia Test [25] (score of 10-90% 5-43/48). 6. Ability to perform a simple matching task with the StepbyStep© programme (to confirm sufficient vision and cognitive ability to participate in the intervention)
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: 1. They have another premorbid speech and language disorder caused by a neurological deficit other than stroke (a formal diagnosis can be reported by the participant or relatives and confirmed by the recruiting speech and language therapist). 2. They are unable to repeat words (suggesting presence of severe dyspraxia) 3. They require treatment for a language other than English (as the software is in English) 4. They are currently using the StepbyStep© computer programme or other computer speech therapy aimed at word retrieval/naming
Design outcomes
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Current secondary outcome measures as of 20/02/2018: 1. Improvement in patient perception of communication will be measured using the COAST - a patient reported measure of communication participation and related quality of life 2. Use of learnt vocabulary in the context of conversation will be measured using a checklist of target words during rating of the videoed conversations at 6 months Added 18/04/2018: The outcomes are measured at 6, 9 and 12 months. Previous secondary outcome measures: Improvement in patient perception of communication will be measured using the COAST - a patient-reported measure of communication participation and related quality of life | — |
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Current primary outcome measures as of 20/02/2018: 1. The change in word finding ability of words personally relevant to the participant will be measured by a picture naming task (100 words with a maximum of 2 points each). The word finding score will be expressed as a percentage of the total score and change in the percentage 6 months from baseline will be calculated 2. Improvement in functional communication will be measured by blinded ratings of video recorded conversations between a SLT and participants, using the activity scale of the Therapy Outcome Measures Added 18/04/2018: The outcomes are measured at 6, 9 and 12 months. Previous primary outcome measures: 1. The change in the number of words (of personal relevance to the participant) named correctly at 6 months will be measured by a picture naming task 2. Improvement in functional communication will be measured by blinded ratings of video recorded conversations between a SLT and participants using the activity scale of the Therapy Outcome Measures and number of target words used in conversation, at 6 months | — |
Countries
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United Kingdom, Wales
Outcome results
None listed