Clinical Trial: Apraxia of Speech: Comparison of EPG Treatment (Tx) and Sound Production Treatment (SPT)

Study Status: Recruiting
Recruit Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Apraxia of Speech: A Comparison of EPG Treatment & Sound Production Treatment

Brief Summary: The purpose of the proposed research is to examine the effects of two treatment approaches on speech production involving speakers with chronic apraxia of speech (AOS) and aphasia. The planned investigation is designed to examine the acquisition, maintenance and generalization effects of each treatment. One approach, electropalatography (EPG) uses visual biofeedback in conjunction with articulatory-kinematic treatment and the other approach, sound production treatment (SPT) is one of the most systematically studied articulatory-kinematic treatments for AOS.

Detailed Summary:

EPG has been used to treat apraxia of speech (AOS) as well as other speech production disorders (i.e., articulation disorders & cleft palate). SPT is one of the most systematically studied treatment approaches for AOS. Both treatment approaches are considered clinical treatment approaches/standards of care for AOS. The pseudopalate used in conjunction with EPG treatment is an acceptable device for treating speech production disorders including AOS. The pseudopalate is custom-fit for each patient and is similar to a dental retainer and is considered minimally invasive.

The purpose of this research is to systematically examine the effects of treatment on speech production using EPG treatment vs. an SPT approach. The planned investigation is intended to explicate the acquisition, maintenance, and generalization effects of each treatment approach. The specific experimental questions to be addressed are as follows:

1. Will treatment using an EPG approach or an SPT approach result in greater accuracy of articulation of trained speech sounds produced in words?
2. Will treatment using an EPG approach or an SPT approach result in greater accuracy of articulation of untrained exemplars of trained speech sounds produced in words (i.e., response generalization)?
3. Will treatment using an EPG approach or an SPT approach result in greater long term maintenance effects for trained speech sounds?
4. Do different treatment approaches result in distinct ratings of functional communication skills via the Aphasia Communication Outcome Measure (ACOM; Doyle et al., 2012) and an outcome measure of speech intelligibility using the Assessment of Intelligibility of Dysarthric Speech (AIDS; Yorkston & Beukelman, 1981)
   Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development
   

   Current Primary Outcome: Change in Speech Production Accuracy for treated stimuli [ Time Frame: up to 32 weeks ]

   Percent accuracy in speech production for treated speech sounds directly receiving treatment
   
   
   

   Original Primary Outcome: Same as current
   
   

   Current Secondary Outcome:

   • Change in Speech Production Accuracy for untreated stimuli (related stimuli) [ Time Frame: up to 32 weeks ]
     Percent accuracy in speech production in related stimuli, but untreated stimuli comprised of treated speech sounds
   • Change in maintenance of speech production accuracy for treated stimuli [ Time Frame: up to 32 weeks ]
     Percent accuracy in speech production for treated speech sounds following treatment
   • Change in Functional Communication Skills [ Time Frame: up to 32 weeks ]
     Percent change on rating scale for functional communication skills by patient & spouse or family member
   • Change in Speech Intelligibility [ Time Frame: up to 32 weeks ]
     Percentage of speech intelligibility on the word level by unfamiliar listeners
   
   
   

   Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current
   
   Information By: VA Office of Research and Development
   

   Dates:
   Date Received: August 19, 2015
   Date Started: November 2015
   Date Completion: November 2017
   Last Updated: December 2, 2016
   Last Verified: December 2016