Prof. Guadalupe Dávila, PhD is giving a talk at Freie Universität Berlin.

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Speaker: Prof .Guadalupe Dávila, PhD, University of Málaga

Title: Tele-rehabilitation with Intensive Language Therapy in Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Comparison with Face-to-Face Intervention

Abstract: Aphasia is the total or partial loss of one or more language skills, which may include language production, comprehension, repetition, naming, writing, and reading. This disorder is quite prevalent and often results from a stroke that affects the language-dominant hemisphere, usually the left side. Aphasia can significantly impact not only the individual's quality of life but also that of their family members. Therefore, assessments for aphasia should adopt a holistic approach, considering not only linguistic aspects but also the emotional, social, and physical dimensions of the person with aphasia, as well as their family environment and overall quality of life, as recommended by the ROMA Consortium (2019). Numerous studies (Gilmore et al., 2019) support the effectiveness of evidence-based speech therapy interventions for aphasia rehabilitation. Despite advancements in this field, questions remain about the effectiveness of specific therapeutic approaches. Meta-analyses, such as those conducted by Brady et al. (2022), have shown that intensive language therapies, like Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT), now termed Intensive Language-Action therapy (Pulvermüller, Mohr & Taub, 2016), are associated with greater language recovery than more distributed interventions. Other strategies are being developed to optimize the administration of ILAT. One promising approach is virtual therapy (teletherapy). It can provide greater access to speech therapists for individuals in remote areas, reduce travel time for both therapists and patients, minimize therapy dropouts, improve treatment adherence, and lessen the burden on caregivers. In addition, gains obtained with teletherapy can be enhanced through complementary neurobiological strategies (drugs, brain stimulation).

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