A pilot study of use-dependent learning in the context of Constraint Induced Language Therapy.
This investigation reports the results of a pilot study concerning the application of principles of use-dependent learning developed in the motor rehabilitation literature as Constraint Induced Therapy to language rehabilitation in a group of individuals with chronic aphasia. We compared treatment that required forced use of the language modality, Constraint Induced Language Therapy, (CILT) to treatment allowing all modes of communication. Both treatments were administrated intensively in a massed practice paradigm, using the same therapeutic stimuli and tasks. Results suggest that whereas both interventions yielded positive outcomes, CILT participants showed more consistent improvement on standard aphasia measures and clinician judgments of narrative discourse. These findings suggest that CILT intervention may be a viable approach to aphasia rehabilitation.
Maher
Lynn M
LM
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Rehabilitation Research, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. lmaher@bcm.tmc.edu
Kendall
Diane
D
Swearengin
Jennifer A
JA
Rodriguez
Amy
A
Leon
Susan A
SA
Pingel
Karyn
K
Holland
Audrey
A
Rothi
Leslie J Gonzalez
LJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001037:Aphasia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007807:Language Tests; D007808:Language Therapy / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome