Adaptive computer practice to improve word-finding in aphasia
Integrating complementary learning principles in aphasia rehabilitation via adaptive modeling
This project uses computer programs that change practice difficulty to help people with aphasia find words more easily and keep those gains over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11260184 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would use a computer-based naming program that automatically adjusts how hard tasks are so you are challenged but not overwhelmed. The team will run two parallel clinical trials comparing different adaptive models that blend common therapy ideas like errorless versus effortful practice and massed versus spaced practice. The goal is to keep a “desirable difficulty” during practice so learned words stick and carry over into everyday speaking. Treatment will include repeated naming practice with the program tailoring trials to your performance and periodic in-person assessments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with aphasia after stroke or other acquired brain injury who have word-finding (anomia) difficulties and can participate in computer-based therapy and clinic visits.
Not a fit: People without significant word-finding problems, those with severe global language impairment who cannot use the computer tasks, or those with rapidly progressive neurodegenerative aphasias may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could give people with aphasia longer-lasting improvements in word-finding that transfer to natural conversation.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work supports spaced practice and retrieval-based naming therapy for aphasia, but using adaptive model-based algorithms to continuously balance learning strategies is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Evans, William Streicher — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Evans, William Streicher
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.