Influence of rate of treatment on the naming abilities of adults with chronic aphasia

There is a lack of empirical evidence on which clinicians can base their daily decisions about aphasia treatment rate and duration. The purpose of this series of studies was to review the outcomes of various rates of speech/language therapy on the naming performances of adults with aphasia. A retrospective pre/post design was employed with a total of 40 subjects across studies. Results revealed the significant positive effects of intensive speech/language therapy on the naming skills of adults with aphasia, and that these improvements were greater than those obtained during non-intensive treatment. Although there are limitations of the treatment-based, retrospective research design, this line of research contributes to the ability of rehabilitation professionals to make appropriate treatment recommendations regarding treatment rate.