Intensive Speech Therapy Effective for Chronic Aphasia After Stroke

A Class 1, multicenter, randomized, controlled study demonstrates that 3 weeks of intensive speech therapy improves verbal communication in patients with all types of chronic aphasia.

Meta-analyses have concluded that speech and language therapy is effective for treating aphasia in chronic stroke, if administered with sufficient intensity. Nevertheless, the quality of most studies addressing this issue does not support a class 1 or 2 evidence-based practice recommendation. This well-designed, multicenter study of intensive speech therapy for chronic aphasia fills this important gap.

Matched groups of adults (78 per group; aged ≤70) with all types of aphasia were randomized to 3 weeks of intensive speech therapy or delayed intervention. Intensive treatment was defined as ≥10 hours per week of one-on-one or group therapy sessions plus ≥5 hours or more per week of individualized, primarily computer-based training. Delayed gr…

Reviewing Author

Gary M. Abrams, MD

Intensive Speech Therapy Effective for Chronic Aphasia After Stroke

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Reviewing Author