Comparing Higher and Lower Weekly Treatment Intensity for Chronic Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation
Pierce, J. E., O'Halloran, R., et al. (2021).
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation, 31(8), 1289–1313.
This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the effect of treatment intensity on outcomes in adults with chronic aphasia.
Not stated
Inception to June 2018
Original research studies
8 studies
Meta-analysis resulted in inconclusive findings, with no indication of superiority for any treatment intensity. While there was limited evidence to suggest that lower intensity (i.e., less than 3 hours of intervention per week) aphasia treatments for people with chronic aphasia resulted in marginally more favorable outcomes immediately after treatment, these differences were not significant . No significant difference in effect size was noted at one month follow-up. Treatment intensity demonstrated no significant effect on secondary outcomes (e.g., quality of life). Further research is indicated due to an overall paucity of research and small sample sizes and notable risk of bias in included studies.
