Speech Therapy Interventions for Acquired Apraxia of Speech: An Updated Systematic Review

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology

Munasinghe, T. U., Ariyasena, A. D. K., et al. (2023).

American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 32(3), 1336-1359.

This updated systematic review invesitgates the effects of speech and language therapy interventions for adults with acquired apraxia of speech.

Not stated

January 1, 2013 to December 23, 2020

Peer-reviewed studies with any research design

27

Findings demonstrated positive results following speech and language therapy treatments for adults with acquired apraxia of speech. Articulatory kinematic and intersystemic reorganization/facilitation techniques (i.e., therapies using singing, gesture, or other relatively intact systems or modalities to facilitate speech) were generally associated with improved accuracy for full words and phonemes/blends/clusters within words. Mixed results were noted regarding generalization and maintenance of gains. Limitations to this review included heterogeneity between included studies, limited studies with high methodological rigor, and small sample sizes. Further research is indicated (Class II- IV Evidence).

Limited low quality evidence demonstrated that random scheduling yielded improved accuracy for phonemes and words when compared to blocked scheduling for adults with acquired apraxia of speech. Greater maintenance of gains was additionally noted for random versus blocked scheduling. No significant difference in outcomes was noted for traditional versus intensive treatment. However, due to an overall paucity of research and reduced methodological rigor, further research is indicated (Class III-IIIb Evidence).