Repetition as a Systematic Approach for the Revival of Communication in Persons with Aphasia

Context: Repetition is widely considered only as a domain to classify the type of aphasia. Earlier studies have shown evidence of repetition being used as an approach to improve communication abilities in persons with aphasia (PWA). However, there is a dearth of literature on how repetition drills and interactive repetition can be implemented systematically to elicit improvement in the overall language domains and communication in the Indian context. Aims: The study aimed to investigate if repetition improves overall communication in PWA. Settings and Design: The design employed in the current study is multiple baseline design in the context of single-subject research. Methods: The participants were three PWA. They were treated on the affected language domains using the Manual for Adult Aphasia Therapy (MAAT). The techniques used included repetition drills and interactive repetition. The participants were provided therapy only for the repetition domain of MAAT for 18 sessions. The performances on all the domains applicable to the current level of language functioning of PWA were assessed in the initial, medial, and final sessions. Statistical Analysis Used: The raw scores of each activity were converted into percentages, and the mean percentage for each subsection was calculated for individual sessions. The mean percentage was the measure utilized for comparison of improvement across each session. Results: It took around 9–10 sessions for an initial improvement of 20%–25% in any domain of language intervention in PWA. The stimulus presented through multiple modalities yielded better repetition than when the stimulus is presented in the auditory modality alone in persons with Broca’s aphasia. Working on the repetition skill improved the overall communication skills that were not treated in PWA. Conclusions: The repetition drills and interactive repetition can be jointly used as an effective therapy approach to improve language in PWA.