title: Evaluating the Benefits of Aphasia Intervention Delivered in Virtual Reality: Results of a Quasi-Randomised Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study evaluated an intervention for people with aphasia delivered in a novel virtual reality platform called EVA Park. EVA Park contains a number of functional and fantastic locations and allows for interactive communication between multiple users. Twenty people with aphasia had 5 weeks' intervention, during which they received daily language stimulation sessions in EVA Park from a support worker. The study employed a quasi randomised design, which compared a group that received immediate intervention with a waitlist control group. Outcome measures explored the effects of intervention on communication and language skills, communicative confidence and feelings of social isolation. Compliance with the intervention was also explored through attrition and usage data.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was excellent compliance with the intervention, with no participants lost to follow up and most (18/20) receiving at least 88% of the intended treatment dose. Intervention brought about significant gains on a measure of functional communication. Gains were achieved by both groups of participants, once intervention was received, and were well maintained. Changes on the measures of communicative confidence and feelings of social isolation were not achieved. Results are discussed with reference to previous aphasia therapy findings.
authors: Division of Language and Communication Science, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Marshall
authors: Centre for Human Computer Interaction Design, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Tracey
authors: T
authors: Booth
authors: Division of Language and Communication Science, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Niamh
authors: N
authors: Devane
authors: Centre for Human Computer Interaction Design, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Galliers
authors: Division of Language and Communication Science, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Helen
authors: H
authors: Greenwood
authors: Division of Language and Communication Science, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Katerina
authors: K
authors: Hilari
authors: Division of Language and Communication Science, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Talbot
authors: Centre for Human Computer Interaction Design, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Stephanie
authors: S
authors: Wilson
authors: Division of Language and Communication Science, City University London, London, United Kingdom.
authors: Celia
authors: C
authors: Woolf
mesh_terms: D001037:Aphasia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003142:Communication; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007808:Language Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D013070:Speech Therapy; D000069350:Telerehabilitation; D063367:Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy / Q000379:methods*