| Previous literature has highlighted the need for research into the optimal
therapeutic intensity for persons with aphasia, with many studies indicating
increased intensity leads to positive outcomes. Intensive treatment is a main tenet
of treatment modalities known as Intensive Comprehensive Aphasia Programs
(ICAPS) and modified ICAPs. However, few studies directly compare outcomes of
treatment programs at different intensity levels and none use discourse measures as
their main evaluation of outcomes. ICAP (n=5) and mICAP (n=5) participants
were given narrative discourse tasks pre- and post-treatment, and overall
percentage of change was calculated across tasks, measures, participants, and
cohorts. Most participants across both cohorts experienced positive discourse
outcomes, however, results were highly individualized and there were no group
differences. This result adds to the body of research indicating that further research
is required for investigating how individual clinical profiles, demographics, and
other factors influence treatment outcomes in aphasia rehabilitation.
Key Words: aphasia, rehabilitation, stroke, intensity, narrative, discourse |