Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy in Post-Stroke Aphasia Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
PLoS One
Zhang, J., Yu, J., et al. (2017).
PLoS One, 12(8), e0183349.
This systematic review investigates the effects and the useful components of constraint-induced aphasia therapy in individuals with aphasia after stroke.
No funding received
The data in this systematic review were also included elsewhere in the Evidence Maps. See the Associated Article(s) section for more information.
From 2001 to January 18, 2017
Randomized controlled trials
8
Overall findings revealed that CIAT has beneficial effects for improving communication for individuals with stroke-induced chronic aphasia. However, there is limited evidence supporting its superiority compared to other intensive aphasia treatments. A meta-analysis across studies revealed no significant difference in naming (mean difference = 3.97, 95% CI: -7.86 to 15.79), repetition (mean difference = 0.08, 95% CI: -11.88 to 12.03), token test (mean difference = -0.67, 95% CI: -5.62 to 4.28), written language (mean difference = -1.96, 95% CI: -9.08 to 5.16) or comprehension (mean difference = -4.34, 95% CI: -12.58 to 3.91). Additional descriptive findings comparing CIAT to conventional speech treatment or non-constraint treatments found mixed results in favor of CIAT on language and communication outcomes. An additional study comparing intensive language action therapy (a form of CIAT which integrates communication and social interaction) reported significant effects favoring intensive language action therapy. Therefore, further research is needed on the role of constraint and massed practice for this population.
