Improvement in language function in patients with aphasia using computer-assisted executive function training: A controlled clinical trial

Background Nonverbal cognitive training for aphasia has gained popularity. Prior research has found that cognitive status correlates with language function. Objective To determine whether nonverbal computer-assisted executive control training (CAET) to improve cognitive status affects language performance in patients with aphasia (PWA) and executive dysfunction. Design A single blind randomized trial. Setting Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University. Participants A total of 68 individuals were randomized, underwent treatment and were included in the analysis (CAET group, n = 33; control group, n = 35). Interventions The experimental group was treated with 4 weeks of traditional speech and language therapy (SLT) combined with CAET. The control group underwent SLT only. Main Outcome Measures Western Aphasia Battery [WAB]) with executive dysfunction (as assessed by the verbal fluency test [VFT], the Proverbs Test, the Tower of London Test [TLT], the Stroop Color and Word Test [SCWT], and the Trail Making Test [TMT]). Results Differences between pre- and posttreatment language outcomes except oral naming (group x time, p = .236) were significantly greater in the experimental group compared with the control group: spontaneous speech (group x time, p = .026), auditory comprehension (group x time, p < .001), speech repetition (group x time, p = .001), and aphasia quotient (AQ; group x time, p < .001). A similar effect was observed for cognitive function such as Trial Making Test (TMT)-A (group x time, p = .006), TMT-B (group x time, p = .005), and verbal fluency test (VFT-V; group x time, p = .018). Conclusion The study demonstrates that CAET combined with SLT can yield favorable language outcomes for PWA, especially improvements in auditory comprehension and AQ. CAET combined with SLT generates benefits in both cognitive function and language performance.