title: Computer-assisted analysis of spontaneous speech: quantification of basic parameters in aphasic and unimpaired language.
abstract: Although generally accepted as an important part of aphasia assessment, detailed analysis of spontaneous speech is rarely carried out in clinical practice mostly due to time limitations. The Aachener Sprachanalyse (ASPA; Aachen Speech Analysis) is a computer-assisted method for the quantitative analysis of German spontaneous speech that allows for a detailed assessment by means of linguistic basic parameters in an acceptable amount of time. It has previously been proven sensitive for monitoring changes over time. In this study, we present data of 52 aphasic participants whose spontaneous speech was analyzed retrospectively before and after an intensive therapy program. The measured changes are evaluated with reference to normative data of 60 non-brain-damaged speakers. Results confirm good sensitivity to document changes over time. Clinical relevance of changes is assessed with reference to critical score ranges derived from the normative data. Findings provide further evidence of the clinical applicability and usefulness of ASPA.
authors: Section Neurological Cognition Research, Department of Neurology, Medical School, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. khussmann@ukaachen.de
authors: Katja
authors: K
authors: Hussmann
authors: Marion
authors: M
authors: Grande
authors: Elisabeth
authors: E
authors: Meffert
authors: Swetlana
authors: S
authors: Christoph
authors: Martina
authors: M
authors: Piefke
authors: Klaus
authors: K
authors: Willmes
authors: Walter
authors: W
authors: Huber
mesh_terms: D001037:Aphasia / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003936:Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008037:Linguistics; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012984:Software; D013068:Speech Production Measurement / Q000379:methods*