NUK - logo
E-resources
Peer reviewed Open access
  • Benchmarks of Significant C...
    Gilmore, Natalie; Dwyer, Michaela; Kiran, Swathi

    Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 06/2019, Volume: 100, Issue: 6
    Journal Article

    To establish benchmarks of significant change for aphasia rehabilitation outcome measures (ie, Western Aphasia Battery-Aphasia Quotient WAB-AQ, Communicative Effectiveness Index CETI, Boston Naming Test BNT) and assess if those benchmarks significantly differ across subgroups (ie, time post onset, dose frequency, treatment type). A comprehensive literature search of 12 databases, reference lists of previous reviews, and evidence-based practice materials was conducted. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, single-subject design, and case studies that used a standardized outcome measure to assess change were included. Titles and full-text articles were screened using a dual review process. Seventy-eight studies met criteria for inclusion. Data were extracted independently, and 25% of extractions were checked for reliability. All included studies were assigned quality indicator ratings and an evidence level. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted separately for each study design group (ie, within-/between-group comparisons). For within-group designs, the summary effect size after aphasia rehabilitation was 5.03 points (95% confidence interval, 3.95-6.10, P<.001) on the WAB-AQ, 10.37 points (6.08-14.66, P<.001) on the CETI, and 3.30 points (2.43-4.18, P<.001) on the BNT. For between-group designs, the summary effect size was 5.05 points (1.64-8.46, P=.004) on the WAB-AQ and 0.55 points (-1.33 to 2.43, P=.564) on the BNT, the latter of which was not significant. Subgroup analyses for the within-group designs showed no significant differences in the summary effect size as a function of dose frequency or treatment type. This study established benchmarks of significant change on 3 standardized outcome measures used in aphasia rehabilitation.