Investigation of Communication Abilities and Quality of Life for people with Aphasia by using Talking Mats as a treatment method in Speech and Language Therapy
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Date Issued
April 2021
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Advisor
Abstract
Background: Talking Mats (TM) is a tool used in the Augmentative and Alternative
communication field. It can support people with complex communication needs, such as
people with aphasia. Existing research on TM focus on its use as a communication
instrument (Murphy, Cameron & Boa, 2013).
Objective: This study explores for the first time the effects of using TM in Speech and
Language therapy as a treatment method on communication abilities and Quality of Life
(QoL) in a person with aphasia.
Methods and Procedures: The study followed an AB design with multiple baselines. The
participant is a 35 year old female with mild, anomic aphasia, 6 years post onset. At
baseline levels, the Western Aphasia Battery and the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life
Scale-39 (SAQOL-39) was administered to the participant, followed by a 10 days
consecutive use of TM in a therapeutic setting.
Results: The biggest improvement was captured in word fluency by 25, 58%. The mean
of the psychosocial score decreased by 9, 86%.
Conclusion: TM might serve as a method to train vocabulary recall and discourse in
people with anomic aphasia. It is suggested, that a decrease in QoL is correlated to the
Covid-19 restrictions during this study.
communication field. It can support people with complex communication needs, such as
people with aphasia. Existing research on TM focus on its use as a communication
instrument (Murphy, Cameron & Boa, 2013).
Objective: This study explores for the first time the effects of using TM in Speech and
Language therapy as a treatment method on communication abilities and Quality of Life
(QoL) in a person with aphasia.
Methods and Procedures: The study followed an AB design with multiple baselines. The
participant is a 35 year old female with mild, anomic aphasia, 6 years post onset. At
baseline levels, the Western Aphasia Battery and the Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life
Scale-39 (SAQOL-39) was administered to the participant, followed by a 10 days
consecutive use of TM in a therapeutic setting.
Results: The biggest improvement was captured in word fluency by 25, 58%. The mean
of the psychosocial score decreased by 9, 86%.
Conclusion: TM might serve as a method to train vocabulary recall and discourse in
people with anomic aphasia. It is suggested, that a decrease in QoL is correlated to the
Covid-19 restrictions during this study.
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Viktoria Eden Master´s Thesis Abstract.pdf
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