Dubbing language-therapy CINEma-based in aphasia post-stroke (DULCINEA): A feasibility randomized crossover controlled trial

Abstract

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Background Helping people recover from aphasia is among the top 10 research priorities relating to life after stroke. Objective We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of dubbing techniques (using newly developed software) for post-stroke aphasia therapy and explore its potential efficacy. Methods Randomised, crossover, interventional, feasibility trial that included patients with chronic post-stroke non-fluent aphasia. The intervention consisted of an individualised programme (16 sessions; 8 weeks) based on dubbing words and sentences progressively adapted to the severity of the aphasia. Patients were allocated to groups that underwent therapy within the first 3 months, or between 3 and 6 months from inclusion, each group serving as the control during the non-therapy periods. Outcomes were the pre-post differences in the Communicative Activity Log, the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination, the General Health Questionnaire-12, the Stroke Aphasia Quality of Life Scale, and the Western Aphasia Battery Revised, administered by psychologists blinded to the patients’ allocation. Results Recruitment was limited due to COVID-19 and prematurely stopped because of funding coming to an end. A total of 23 patients were randomised, 20 of whom completed the study (1 withdrew consent, and 2 dropped out). The adherence rate to the allocated group was 95.3%. No statistically significant differences were found in any of the outcomes; however, 17 (85%) patients reported subjective improvements in communication skills. Conclusions This trial shows the feasibility of dubbing therapy (using dedicated software) for patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia. Although it lacks statistical power, certain effects on language and communication cannot be ignored.