Integrating Complementary Learning Principles in Aphasia Rehabilitation Via Adaptive Modeling (Sub-study 1: Balancing Effortful and Errorless Learning Using Adaptive Naming Deadlines)

What this Trial Is About

Aphasia is a language disorder caused by stroke and other brain injuries that affects many people and impacts their ability to communicate and participate in daily life. This research focuses on anomia, a common difficulty in finding words, and aims to evaluate new treatment approaches that improve long-term retention of naming skills and their use in everyday situations. The study is part of a larger project and specifically investigates balancing effort and accuracy with adaptive speeded naming deadlines. Participants will receive three different naming treatment conditions in a randomized order: an accuracy-maximized condition where the target word is immediately provided, an effort-maximized condition allowing up to 10 seconds to respond before the target is given, and an effort-accuracy balanced condition where deadlines adapt based on individual performance. Each condition consists of eight treatment sessions over four weeks, with treatment time controlled to eight hours per condition. Treatments involve naming pictures with cues and feedback on accuracy. Participants will be assessed at baseline and followed up one week, three months, and six months after treatment using naming tests, language assessments, and questionnaires on communication effectiveness and motivation. Assessments include confrontation naming of treated and untreated objects, discourse analysis, and communication outcome measures. The study will last about 10 to 18 months per participant, with data collection occurring at the university lab, participants' homes, or private public spaces.

Balancing Effortful and Errorless Learning in Naming Treatment for Aphasia