Use of the Queensland University Aphasia and Language Test (Q.U.A.L.T.) to Measure the Recovery of Aphasic Patients

Abstract

The Queensland University Aphasia and Language Test (Q.U.A.L.T.) was used to assess the recovery rate and the effect of speech therapy on the recovery rate in 44 adult cases of aphasia. All subjects were first tested within 12 weeks of the onset of aphasia (Test A), and again soon after 24 weeks following the onset of the aphasia (Test B). All cases made a significant improvement in test scores between Test A and Test B. Improvements were greater for comprehension than for expression of language. No significant difference in improvement occurred between those who received speech therapy once a week and those who received it twice a week. Twelve months after initial testing there was still no difference in improvement rate between the two groups. Sex and marital status appeared to have no influence on recovery rate.