Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of a clinically-based Speech Entrainment (SE) approach on content word production and phonemic accuracy in a single-subject design involving a stroke survivor with nonfluent aphasia and acquired apraxia of speech (AOS). Due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the study was conducted entirely through remotely-delivered telepractice using the online conferencing platform Zoom. SE is a current speech-language treatment that aims to improve the expressive deficits typically encountered in individuals with nonfluent aphasia and AOS through consistent practice in mimicry of pre-recorded audiovisual supports. This single-subject, multiple-baseline across behaviors design utilized a clinically-driven, patient-centered SE approach to evaluate the generalization of treatment effects to trained and untrained pre-scripted targets across the participant's daily communicative contexts. Treatment stimuli were developed with direct participation by the participant and his family in accordance with the principles of patient-centered treatment design. The participant underwent an 8-week treatment period in which SE was used to facilitate repeated practice using audiovisual recordings of pre-scripted stimuli across six categories. Preliminary results suggest a positive impact on content word production and phonemic accuracy for trained targets with and without the use of the audiovisual supports. This study also aimed to evaluate the potential for SE to become a longer-term communication support; a suggestion made by authors of previous research using SE. Recommendations for further research in clinically-based SE treatment and use of SE as a long-term communication support are made.

Notes

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Graduation Date

2021

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Wilson, Lauren Bislick

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

School of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Degree Program

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

CFE0008678;DP0025409

URL

https://purls.library.ucf.edu/go/DP0025409

Language

English

Release Date

August 2026

Length of Campus-only Access

5 years

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Campus-only Access)

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