Effectiveness of Speech and Language Rehabilitation for Stroke Patients with Aphasia at Sirindhorn National Medical Rehabilitation Institute

Abstract

The objectives of this research were to study the effectiveness of therapeutic progress in strokerelated Aphasic patients, and to review its prognosis for each speech and language skills. This prospective study used speech therapy notes in medical records from both out-patients and in-patients, and the Hospital Information System. Scores from intake session and after at least 3 months period using standardized test (Thai adaptation of Western Aphasia Battery test). The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent T-test and post hoc analysis. The results showed that there were 25 participants comprised of 17 males (68%) and 8 females (32%). Average age was at 63.44 years old, with the range of 46 and 77 years old (SD=9.12). The mean scores for pre-intervention in fluency, comprehension, repetition, and naming skills were at 4.04 (SD=2.60), 4.79 (SD=3.10), 6.2 (SD=3.08), and 4.15 (SD=3.02) respectively, while the scores for post-intervention in the aforementioned skills were at 5.08 (SD=2.36), 6.13 (SD=2.69), 7.69 (SD=2.30), and 5.63 (SD=2.71), respectively. The mean differences in assessment scores among participants who received therapy in 3 months period (n=3) were at 2.66 (SD=1.52), 4.73 (SD=4.30), 4.10 (SD=3.96), and 2.93 (SD=2.65) in fluency, comprehension, repetition, and naming skills, respectively, while mean differences in assessment scores from participants receiving therapy more than 3 months period (n=22) in aforementioned skills were at 0.81 (SD=1.43), 0.87 (SD=1.32), 1.13 (SD=1.60) and 1.31 (SD=1.88). In conclusion, the mean scores for pre-intervention in all participants were lower than post-intervention in all skills, reflecting the recovery and improved conditions. Statistically, the mean differences of evaluation scores among participants who received therapy within 3 months period and exceeded 3 months were also significantly different in fluency, comprehension, and repetition skills. However, no significant differences were observed in naming skills. Consequently, impairment in naming skills remained common among aphasic patients, resulting in dysfluency and word finding difficulty. Speech therapists should be aware of this particular problem to efficiently establish intervention for patients to communicate effectively and efficiency.