Errorless versus errorful training of spelling in individuals with acquired dysgraphia

Abstract

We examined effects of error production in training of spelling in four individuals with stroke-induced dysgraphia. In a single participant crossover design, we provided errorless and errorful spelling training in counterbalanced phases. Improvements in spelling to dictation (large effect sizes) were evident for trained words in all participants following both errorful and errorless training phases, with some advantage of errorful over errorless for three of four participants. Little generalisation was noted for untrained control words. Post-treatment improvements were also noted in a standardised writing test in three of four participants. At one month after training completion, gains were largely maintained for trained words, again with larger effect sizes for errorful than errorless words in three of four participants. However, despite benefits for errorful training, participants stated a preference for the less frustrating errorless training protocol.

Keywords:

• Aphasia
• Dysgraphia
• Rehabilitation
• Stroke

Acknowledgments

This work was supported in part by funding provided through a grant to the first author from the NIH (NIDCD). Special thanks are extended to the four individuals who willingly participated in this study.