title: A Telerehabilitation Approach for Chronic Aphasia Following Stroke.
abstract: 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.
  
  
  
  We enrolled 8 patients with chronic poststroke aphasia to receive therapy via our iPad(®) (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.
  
  
  
  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.
  
  
  
  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.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, South Korea .|2 Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital , Seoul, South Korea .
authors.forename: Yoon-Hee
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, South Korea .
authors.forename: Hae Kyung
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital , Seongnam, South Korea .
authors.forename: Nam-Jong
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Paik
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001037:Aphasia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D034201:Computers, Handheld; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D000069350:Telerehabilitation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: e-health; mobile health; neurology; rehabilitation; telehealth; telemedicine