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Kodani Y, Sekine K, Tanaka Y, Nagami S, Nakamura K, Fukunaga S, Nakamura H. A study on the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Scenario Test for people with chronic stroke-induced aphasia: A cross-sectional study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2024. [PMID: 38691670 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.13040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Scenario Test is recognised for its effectiveness in assessing the interactive aspects of functional communication in people with post-stroke aphasia (PWA). AIMS To develop a Japanese version of the Scenario Test (Scenario Test-JP) and assess its reliability and validity. METHODS & PROCEDURES Among 66 participants, we selected 61 individuals: 34 PWA and 27 healthy controls (HCs). We modified the Scenario Test-JP based on the UK version and subsequently evaluated its reliability (internal consistency, test-retest and intra-rater and inter-rater reliabilities) and validity (convergent and discriminant) by comparing PWA and HCs. OUTCOMES & RESULTS The Scenario Test-JP showed strong reliability with a Cronbach's α of 0.93, test-retest reliability with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.97, intra-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.95-1.00, and inter-rater reliability with an ICC of 0.96. The validity of the test was confirmed with concurrent scores ranging from ρ = 0.37 to 0.76 (p < 0.05) and known-groups validity (p < 0.001, r = -0.56). CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The reliability and validity of the Scenario Test-JP align with those of the original Dutch version and the UK and Greek versions. Additionally, the assessment can now include extended alternative communication methods, such as digital devices, indicating the potential of the Scenario Test-JP for modern Japanese speech-language therapy. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS What is already known on the subject Interactive communication is a facet of functional communication and is crucial for evaluating engagement and participation of people with aphasia (PWA) in speech-language therapy. The Scenario Test provides valuable information for planning speech-language treatment strategies by assessing dialogic communication. What this study adds This study describes the development of the Scenario Test-JP for use with Japanese speakers and Japanese PWA, which is adapted from the Scenario Test UK version. This study evaluated the reliability and validity of this assessment tool and provided supporting evidence. What are the clinical implications of this work? The reliability and validity of the Scenario Test-JP were consistent with those of the Dutch, UK and Greek versions. The Scenario Test-JP contributes to speech-language therapy in Japan, where high-quality support for the activities and participation of PWA is required. PRACTITIONER POINTS Insights from the Scenario Test The Scenario Test plays a crucial role in evaluating the functional communication skills of people with post-stroke aphasia (PWA). Enhancing functional communication has been linked to improved social engagement among PWA, which in turn influences their overall quality of life (QOL). Issues addressed by the Scenario Test The Scenario Test aids in delineating rehabilitation objectives for activities and participation among PWA, particularly concerning functional communication. The test facilitates tailored support for PWAs' interactive communication and forms the foundation for appropriate speech-language therapy interventions. Transformation of speech-language therapy (SLT) in Japan through the introduction of the Scenario Test-JP The integration of the Scenario Test-JP could enhance the SLT services provided to PWA in Japan. With Japan experiencing an unprecedented ageing population, the prevalence of social isolation and diminished QOL resulting from communication disorders like stroke-induced aphasia is expected to rise. Consequently, the SLT rehabilitation sector in Japan is actively seeking effective interventions to support functional communication among PWA. Hence, the adoption of the Scenario Test-JP is anticipated to streamline the evaluation of functional communication, facilitating the judicious selection and timely provision of assistance to PWA in SLT, including guidance on communication partner support and communication skill training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhei Kodani
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, Okayama Prefectural University, Soja, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sekine
- School of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Tokorozawa, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Tanaka
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, Iwasakicho, Nisshin, Aichi, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nagami
- Department of Communication Disorders, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Ishikari-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nakamura
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinya Fukunaga
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hikaru Nakamura
- Graduate School of Health and Welfare Sciences, Okayama Prefectural University, Soja, Okayama, Japan
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Harvey S, Stone M, Zingelman S, Copland DA, Kilkenny MF, Godecke E, Cadilhac DA, Kim J, Olaiya MT, Rose ML, Breitenstein C, Shrubsole K, O'Halloran R, Hill AJ, Hersh D, Mainstone K, Mainstone P, Unsworth CA, Brogan E, Short KJ, Burns CL, Baker C, Wallace SJ. Comprehensive quality assessment for aphasia rehabilitation after stroke: protocol for a multicentre, mixed-methods study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080532. [PMID: 38514146 PMCID: PMC10961567 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with aphasia following stroke experience disproportionally poor outcomes, yet there is no comprehensive approach to measuring the quality of aphasia services. The Meaningful Evaluation of Aphasia SeRvicES (MEASuRES) minimum dataset was developed in partnership with people with lived experience of aphasia, clinicians and researchers to address this gap. It comprises sociodemographic characteristics, quality indicators, treatment descriptors and outcome measurement instruments. We present a protocol to pilot the MEASuRES minimum dataset in clinical practice, describe the factors that hinder or support implementation and determine meaningful thresholds of clinical change for core outcome measurement instruments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This research aims to deliver a comprehensive quality assessment toolkit for poststroke aphasia services in four studies. A multicentre pilot study (study 1) will test the administration of the MEASuRES minimum dataset within five Australian health services. An embedded mixed-methods process evaluation (study 2) will evaluate the performance of the minimum dataset and explore its clinical applicability. A consensus study (study 3) will establish consumer-informed thresholds of meaningful change on core aphasia outcome constructs, which will then be used to establish minimal important change values for corresponding core outcome measurement instruments (study 4). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Studies 1 and 2 have been registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12623001313628). Ethics approval has been obtained from the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital (HREC/2023/MNHB/95293) and The University of Queensland (2022/HE001946 and 2023/HE001175). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and engagement with relevant stakeholders including healthcare providers, policy-makers, stroke and rehabilitation audit and clinical quality registry custodians, consumer support organisations, and individuals with aphasia and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Harvey
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Marissa Stone
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne Pty Ltd, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sally Zingelman
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - David A Copland
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Monique F Kilkenny
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erin Godecke
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dominique A Cadilhac
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joosup Kim
- Stroke Theme, The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Muideen T Olaiya
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Miranda L Rose
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University College of Science Health and Engineering, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caterina Breitenstein
- Department of Neurology with Institute of Translational Neurology, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Kirstine Shrubsole
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Metro South Hospital and Health Service, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robyn O'Halloran
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University College of Science Health and Engineering, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Annie J Hill
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University College of Science Health and Engineering, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah Hersh
- Curtin School of Allied Health and EnAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Australian Aphasia Association, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kathryn Mainstone
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Penelope Mainstone
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carolyn A Unsworth
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily Brogan
- Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group, South Metropolitan Health Service, Palmyra, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kylie J Short
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare L Burns
- Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline Baker
- Centre for Research Excellence in Aphasia Recovery and Rehabilitation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Speech Pathology Department, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarah J Wallace
- Queensland Aphasia Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service Education and Research Alliance, The University of Queensland and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
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Kristensen LQ, van Tulder MW, Rosenbæk F, Muren MA, Kristensen HK, Mokkink LB, Gregersen Oestergaard L. Measurement properties of performance-based instruments for assessing mental function during activity and participation in persons with stroke: A systematic review. Scand J Occup Ther 2023; 30:1489-1510. [PMID: 37725997 DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2023.2258161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various performance-based instruments exist to assess mental function after stroke and users have to select one for research or clinical practice. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the measurement properties of performance-based instruments to assess (any aspect of) mental function during activity and participation in persons after stroke. MATERIAL AND METHODS We searched in five electronic databases. COSMIN methodology was used to conduct the review. The strength of evidence was assessed using a modified GRADE approach. RESULTS Fifty articles were included reporting on 20 instruments assessing (1) multiple mental functions including ≥ four subdomains (2) attention, memory and executive functions, or single subdomains (3) executive functions, (4) perception, and (5) mental function of language. Highest quality evidence for sufficient results was found for some measurement properties in seven instruments. These instruments included: FIM + FAM, MPAI-4 and EFPT, MET, CBS/KF-NAP, BIT and the Scenario Test. CONCLUSIONS Further studies of high methodological quality are needed that evaluate the measurement properties of instruments to allow clinicians and researchers to select the most suitable performance-based measures for purpose. SIGNIFICANCE Results may be used to select the most suitable performance-based instrument to measure mental function during activity and participation in persons with stroke. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER PROSPERO CRD42018086744.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lola Qvist Kristensen
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Maurits W van Tulder
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Human Movement Sciences and Amsterdam Movement Science Research Institute, Faculty Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frederik Rosenbæk
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marie Almkvist Muren
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hanne Kaae Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Health Sciences Research Center, University College Lillebaelt, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lidwine B Mokkink
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Gregersen Oestergaard
- Department of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- DEFACTUM, Central Denmark Region, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Adaptation of the Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 into Greek: A Reliability and Validity Study. CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL NEUROSCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/ctn6040024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The impact of aphasia on the everyday life of Greek-speaking people with aphasia (PWA) is often underestimated by rehabilitation clinicians. This study explores the adaptation and psychometric properties of the Greek (GR) version of The Aphasia Impact Questionnaire-21 (AIQ-21-GR) to address this issue. The aim of this study is to determine the reliability and validity of the Greek version of the AIQ-21. The AIQ-21-GR was administered to 69 stroke survivors, 47 with aphasia and 22 without aphasia. The data were analyzed to determine reliability and validity. Content validity was based on the Consensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments guidelines. The AIQ-21-GR shows high levels of reliability and validity. The results confirmed high scores of internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and indicated good known—groups validity (Mann–Whitney U = 202, p < 001). Content validity achieved high scores with an overall median score of 4 [Q25 = 4, Q75 = 5]. The psychometric properties of the AIQ-21-GR support the reliability and validity of the tool for investigating the impact of aphasia on the quality of life of Greek-speaking PWA. The AIQ-21-GR can be used for setting functional goals in collaboration with PWA and as a patient reported outcome measure for functional communication training.
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Charalambous M, Phylactou P, Elriz T, Psychogios L, Annoni J, Kambanaros M. Adaptation of The Scenario Test for Greek-speaking people with aphasia: A reliability and validity study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE & COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 2022; 57:865-880. [PMID: 35555844 PMCID: PMC9544128 DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence-based assessments for people with aphasia (PWA) in Greek are predominantly impairment based. Functional communication (FC) is usually underreported and neglected by clinicians. This study explores the adaptation and psychometric testing of the Greek (GR) version of The Scenario Test. The test assesses the everyday FC of PWA in an interactive multimodal communication setting. AIMS To determine the reliability and validity of The Scenario Test-GR and discuss its clinical value. METHODS & PROCEDURES The Scenario Test-GR was administered to 54 people with chronic stroke (6+ months post-stroke): 32 PWA and 22 stroke survivors without aphasia. Participants were recruited from Greece and Cyprus. All measures were administered in an interview format. Standard psychometric criteria were applied to evaluate reliability (internal consistency, test-retest, and interrater reliability) and validity (construct and known-groups validity) of The Scenario Test-GR. OUTCOMES & RESULTS The Scenario Test-GR shows high levels of reliability and validity. High scores of internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.95), test-retest reliability (intra-class coefficients (ICC) = 0.99), and interrater reliability (ICC = 0.99) were found. Interrater agreement in scores on individual items ranged from good to excellent levels of agreement. Correlations with a tool measuring language function in aphasia, a measure of FC, two instruments examining the psychosocial impact of aphasia and a tool measuring non-verbal cognitive skills revealed good convergent validity (all ps < 0.05). Results showed good known-groups validity (Mann-Whitney U = 96.5, p < 0.001), with significantly higher scores for participants without aphasia compared with those with aphasia. CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS The psychometric qualities of The Scenario Test-GR support the reliability and validity of the tool for the assessment of FC in Greek-speaking PWA. The test can be used to assess multimodal FC, promote aphasia rehabilitation goal-setting at the activity and participation levels, and be used as an outcome measure of everyday communication abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Charalambous
- The Brain and Neurorehabilitation LabDepartment of Rehabilitation SciencesCyprus University of TechnologyLimassolCyprus
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Neurological SciencesFaculty of Science and MedicineNeurology UnitUniversity of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Phivos Phylactou
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesCyprus University of TechnologyLimassolCyprus
| | - Thekla Elriz
- Department of Rehabilitation SciencesCyprus University of TechnologyLimassolCyprus
| | - Loukia Psychogios
- Euroclinic GroupTheseus Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation CenterAthensGreece
| | - Jean‐Marie Annoni
- Laboratory of Cognitive and Neurological SciencesFaculty of Science and MedicineNeurology UnitUniversity of FribourgFribourgSwitzerland
| | - Maria Kambanaros
- The Brain and Neurorehabilitation LabDepartment of Rehabilitation SciencesCyprus University of TechnologyLimassolCyprus
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Yazu H, Kong APH, Yoshihata H, Okubo K. Adaptation and validation of the main concept analysis of spoken discourse by native Japanese adults. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2022; 36:17-33. [PMID: 33988070 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2021.1915385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Many people with aphasia demonstrate problems of oral production at the discourse level. The Main Concept Analysis (MCA) for oral discourse production is a published evidence-based battery for quantifying the degree of presence, accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of targeted main concepts in oral discourse. In Japan, such a standardized tool specialized for assessing spoken discourse is currently lacking. The purpose of this study was to adapt the Japanese version of MCA for oral discourse production (the Japanese-MCA) and examine its validity and reliability. Stage 1 of the study involved the establishment of linguistically-specific main concepts (MCs) of the Japanese-MCA. Ten speech-language-hearing therapists and 60 healthy participants who were native monolingual Japanese speakers were recruited to determine MCs. Stage 2 examined the criterion validity and reliability of the Japanese-MCA. Language samples of 20 participants with aphasia, as verified by Standard Language Test of Aphasia (SLTA), and 20 healthy older participants were used. Results of Stage 1 of the study yielded normative data with a set of target MCs that were geographically and linguistically specific for use in Japan. The results also revealed the comparability of the Japanese-MCA and previously reported versions of other languages. Stage 2 findings indicated not only a high correlation of criterion validity, but also good reliability of the test. With established norms and specific scoring criteria of the Japanese-MCA, it is believed that this new tool will become a useful addition to clinical management and research of aphasia in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hitomi Yazu
- Department of Rehabilitation, Nippon Medical School Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Anthony Pak-Hin Kong
- School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Hiroyo Yoshihata
- Graduate School of Languages and Linguistics, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihiro Okubo
- Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Graduate School of Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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Schumacher R, Bruehl S, Halai AD, Lambon Ralph MA. The verbal, non-verbal and structural bases of functional communication abilities in aphasia. Brain Commun 2020; 2:fcaa118. [PMID: 33215082 PMCID: PMC7660039 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcaa118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to communicate, functionally, after stroke or other types of acquired brain injury is crucial for the person involved and the people around them. Accordingly, assessment of functional communication is increasingly used in large-scale randomized controlled trials as the primary outcome measure. Despite the importance of functional communication abilities to everyday life and their centrality to the measured efficacy of aphasia interventions, there is little knowledge about how commonly used measures of functional communication relate to each other, whether they capture and grade the full range of patients’ remaining communication skills and how these abilities relate to the patients’ verbal and non-verbal impairments as well as the underpinning lesions. Going beyond language-only factors is essential given that non-verbal abilities can play a crucial role in an individual’s ability to communicate effectively. This study, based on a large sample of patients covering the full range and types of post-stroke aphasia, addressed these important, open questions. The investigation combined data from three established measures of functional communication with a thorough assessment of verbal and non-verbal cognition as well as structural neuroimaging. The key findings included: (i) due to floor or ceiling effects, the full range of patients’ functional communication abilities was not captured by a single assessment alone, limiting the utility of adopting individual tests as outcome measures in randomized controlled trials; (ii) phonological abilities were most strongly related to all measures of functional communication and (iii) non-verbal cognition was particularly crucial when language production was relatively impaired and other modes of communication were allowed, when patients rated their own communication abilities, and when carers rated patients’ basic communication abilities. Finally, in addition to lesion load being significantly related to all measures of functional communication, lesion analyses showed partially overlapping clusters in language regions for the functional communication tests. Moreover, mirroring the findings from the regression analyses, additional regions previously associated with non-verbal cognition emerged for the Scenario Test and for the Patient Communication Outcome after Stroke rating scale. In conclusion, our findings elucidated the cognitive and neural bases of functional communication abilities, which may inform future clinical practice regarding assessments and therapy. In particular, it is necessary to use more than one measure to capture the full range and multifaceted nature of patients’ functional communication abilities and a therapeutic focus on non-verbal cognition might have positive effects on this important aspect of activity and participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahel Schumacher
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK.,Department of Neurology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Bruehl
- St Mauritius Rehabilitation Centre, 40670 Meerbusch, Germany.,Clinical and Cognitive Neurosciences, Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.,Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Ajay D Halai
- MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 7EF, UK
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Yu Q, Wang H, Li S, Dai Y. Predictive role of subcomponents of the left arcuate fasciculus in prognosis of aphasia after stroke: A retrospective observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e15775. [PMID: 31169676 PMCID: PMC6571406 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000015775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The relationship between the left arcuate fasciculus (AF) and stroke-related aphasia is unclear. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the role of subcomponents of the left AF in predicting prognosis of aphasia after stroke. Twenty stroke patients with aphasia were recruited and received language assessment as well as diffusion tensor tractography scanning at admission. According to injury of the left AF, the participants were classified into four groups: group A (4 cases), the AF preserved intactly; group B (6 cases), the anterior segment injured; group C (4 cases), the posterior segment injured; and group D (6 cases), completely injured. After a consecutive speech therapy, language assessment was performed again. Changes of language functions among the groups were compared and the relation between these changes with segments injury of the AF was analyzed. After therapy, relatively high increase score percentage changes in terms of all the subcategories of language assessment were observed both in group A and C; by contrast, only naming in group B, and spontaneous speech in group D. Although no statistical difference was demonstrated among the four groups. In addition, there was no significant correlation between improvement of language function with segments injury of the AF. The predictive role of subcomponents of the left AF in prognosis of aphasia is obscure in our study. Nevertheless, it indicates the importance of integrity of the left AF for recovery of aphasia, namely that preservation of the left AF on diffusion tensor tractography could mean recovery potential of aphasia after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
- Integrated Traditional Chinese And Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuqing Li
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
| | - Yanhong Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
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