Is More Better? Preliminary Results from a Computer Treatment Study for Aphasia

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of an oral reading treatment provided via computer, and compared outcomes for 10-hours versus 4-hours of weekly practice. An intent-to-treat analysis showed subjects receiving 6-weeks of computer treatment improved significantly more on the Aphasia Quotient of the Western Aphasia Battery than subjects receiving no treatment. 10-hours of weekly practice resulted in a mean WAB AQ change of 6.76 (SD=7.63) compared to a mean change of 3.92 (SD=6.22) in the 4-hour group. However, after 24 treatment hours, language improvements were greater when practice was less intensive. Implications for clinical treatment and research are discussed.