Study Comparing Traditional Semantic Feature Analysis to Semantic Feature Analysis with Metacognitive Strategy Training for Adults with Acquired Aphasia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are comparing two treatments for adults with acquired aphasia to see which is more effective in improving picture naming accuracy and spontaneous speech. The study focuses on traditional Semantic Feature Analysis SFA versus a modified version that adds Metacognitive Strategy Training SFAMST. The trial aims to understand whether SFAMST leads to better outcomes in communication skills than traditional SFA. Participants will receive either traditional SFA, which involves naming pictures, describing object features, and making sentences, or SFAMST, which adds metacognitive teaching, debriefing, and strategy discussions to the traditional SFA approach. Treatment sessions occur three times a week for eight weeks, totaling 24 sessions. There are also pre-treatment, weekly during treatment, post-treatment, and retention assessment sessions over several months. During the study, participants will complete multiple assessments including picture naming, storytelling, and questionnaires before, during, and after treatment. Researchers will measure changes in naming accuracy, word-finding strategy use, and the informativeness and efficiency of speech. Follow-up assessments happen 30 and 60 days after treatment ends to observe retention of skills. The total involvement spans about six months from start to finish.

Comparing Traditional Semantic Feature Analysis (tSFA) and Semantic Feature Analysis + Metacognitive Strategy Training (SFA+MST)