The use of picture/word matching tasks to assist word retrieval in aphasic patients

Abstract

Three single case studies and a small group study were undertaken to examine the effects of using picture to word matching tasks as a therapeutic technique in aiding word retrieval in aphasic patients. Two of the former were successful despite differences in the patients' abilities at the therapeutic task. The benefits of the therapy continued for periods after it was completed. The third was not successful preventing any general conclusion from being drawn and indicating the need for further study to determine which patients may benefit. The group study used a similar therapeutic task but patients were asked to carry it out in their own homes and without a therapist present. Treated items showed significant gains compared with controls, there was evidence of some improvement on semantically related untreated items and the gains continued to be significant 1 month after treatment ended.