CompletedNot Applicable

A Trial Investigating Telerehabilitation as an add-on to Face-to-face Speech and Language Therapy in Post-stroke Aphasia.

Switzerland21 participantsStarted 2018-09-25

Plain-language summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of high-frequency short duration tablet-based speech and language therapy (teleSLT) mixed with cognitive training (teleCT) in chronic stroke patients. Recent studies suggest that chronic stroke patients benefit from SLT with high frequency and that cognitive abilities can play a role in sentence comprehension and production by individuals with aphasia. To investigate the effects of the distribution of training time for teleSLT and teleCT the investigators use two combinations. In the experimental group 80% of the training time will be devoted to teleSLT and 20% to teleCT whereas in the control group 20% of the training time will be devoted to teleSLT and 80% to teleCT. Both groups receive the same total amount and frequency of intervention but with different distributions. At three time points (pre-, post-test and 8 week follow-up) the patients' word finding ability is measured.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 or over. * Diagnosis of stroke, onset of stroke at least 3 months prior to inclusion * Diagnosis of aphasia due to stroke, as confirmed by a speech and language therapist. * Raw value for the German version of the Token Test (De Renzi \& Vignolo, 1962) has to be smaller or equal to 8 (T-value smaller or equal to 60). * Sufficient vision and cognitive ability to work with the teleSLT software (a simple matching task on the tablet computer will be used to test this). * Written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Any other pre-morbid speech and language disorder caused by a deficit other than stroke. * Requirement for treatment in language other than German. * Currently using a computer speech therapy software.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Understandability of verbal communication

Timeframe: Pre-test (Baseline, week 0)

Understandability of verbal communication

Timeframe: Post-test (Change from Baseline at week 4)

Understandability of verbal communication

Timeframe: 8 week follow-up (Change from Baseline at week 12)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03228264

SponsorUniversity of Bern

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2021-11-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Aphasia trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.