A Telerehabilitation Approach for Chronic Aphasia Following Stroke

Abstract

Background: Intensive speech therapy improves language function in patients with chronic aphasia, although treatment in the acute phase is more effective than in the chronic phase. Unfortunately, most patients with stroke go untreated due to socioeconomic problems. This study was performed to develop and test a speech therapy-based telerehabilitation program (iAphasia), suitable for use on a mobile device platform, which would expand access to therapy to patients who frequently go untreated. Subjects and Methods: We enrolled 8 patients with chronic poststroke aphasia to receive therapy via our iPad (R) (Apple, Cupertino, CA)-based telespeech therapy program, iAphasia. Participants received 4 weeks of telespeech therapy using iAphasia, which generates six domains with six levels of difficulty. We compared pre- and posttreatment scores on the Korean version of the Western Aphasia Battery (K-WAB) to evaluate effectiveness. Additionally, a 1-month follow-up assessment was performed. Results: We investigated user satisfaction using a questionnaire to assess the feasibility of iAphasia. After the 4-week treatment, language function as measured by the K-WAB improved significantly. The improvement was persistent at the 1-month follow-up visit. The degree of improvement was strongly associated with usage time, regardless of participants' age and severity of aphasia. Overall, satisfaction with iAphasia was rated high. Conclusions: The results from this study suggest it to be an effective and feasible treatment method for chronic aphasia, although follow-up studies with more subjects and a control group are needed for a more thorough assessment.