Comparing the Effectiveness of Traditional Semantic Feature Analysis Versus Semantic Feature Analysis Plus Metacognitive Strategy Training for Adults With Acquired Aphasia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating two types of speech therapy treatments for adults with acquired aphasia, a condition affecting language after brain injury such as stroke or trauma. The study compares traditional Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) therapy with a modified approach that adds Metacognitive Strategy Training (SFA+MST). The goal is to understand which treatment leads to better picture naming accuracy, strategy use, and spontaneous speech quality over two months of therapy. Participants will receive one of the two treatments three times a week for eight weeks, totaling 24 sessions. The traditional SFA treatment involves naming pictures, describing object features, and making sentences. The SFA+MST group receives the same but also practices metacognitive strategies, reflecting on performance and discussing real-life strategy use. Both groups are studied under randomized assignment. During the study, participants undergo 5 to 7 assessment sessions before treatment, including picture naming and storytelling tasks. Weekly short assessments occur during treatment. After therapy, 3 more assessment sessions repeat similar tasks, followed by two retention sessions at 30 and 60 days later to check lasting effects. Researchers measure changes in naming accuracy, word-finding strategies, and speech informativeness over about six months.

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