Enhancing communication in dysphasia through gesture

Institution:
City University, London
Principal Investigator:
Prof J Marshall
Region: London
Grant value: £97,292 over 24 months
Start date: October 2006
Status: ongoing

Many people who have strokes acquire dysphasia. They have difficulty talking, reading, writing and understanding speech. Speech and language therapists often encourage dysphasic people to use alternative communication methods, such as gesture.

However, there is uncertainty as to whether this approach works. For example, knowledge is required as to whether therapy can teach gestures and whether those gestures are used in everyday communication. It is also possible that learning gestures helps the person to say the corresponding words.

The proposed study will address these questions with 20 people who have dysphasia. Two phases of therapy will be evaluated. The first will aim to teach 20 gestures and 20 different spoken words. The second will encourage the person to use gestures when they are communicating with a friend or relative.

Evaluations will explore whether gestures have been learnt, and whether they are used communicatively to convey messages and stories. Findings should directly influence the therapy given to dysphasic people.

Classification:
Rehabilitation; Neurorehabilitation