Effectiveness of metrical pacing in the treatment of apraxia of speech

Background: One class of methods used in the treatment of apraxia of speech is based on rhythmic stimulation. Controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of these methods are still rare. Aims: To examine the effectiveness of a new treatment of apraxia of speech based on a metrical pacing technique (MPT) with acoustic stimulation. Methods & Procedures: MPT was applied to 10 patients with apraxia of speech. Conventional, non-rhythmic therapeutic techniques were used as a control treatment (cross-over design). Therapeutic effects were measured by variables describing speech rate, fluency, and segmental accuracy of sentence production. Corrections for spontaneous recovery were based on estimates inferred from a baseline period. Group statistics and multiple single case statistics were performed. Outcomes & Results: The complete intervention (MPT plus control treatment) yielded significant improvements in speech rate, fluency, and segmental accuracy. Regarding rate and fluency, MPT was superior to the control treatment. Regarding segmental accuracy, both treatments yielded comparable benefits. Conclusions: In a sample of 10 patients apraxia of speech could be modulated by behavioural treatment methods. The Metrical Pacing Therapy yielded specific improvements of rate and fluency, but also of segmental accuracy, which exceeded the effects of spontaneous recovery.