Efficacy of immersive virtual reality-based self-managed naming therapy for chronic post-stroke aphasia: A randomized controlled trial.
Ramazan Kurul, Enes Tayyip Benli, Tarık Ozkan et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized, single-blind, parallel-group controlled trial compared immersive virtual reality-based self-managed naming therapy with conventional therapy in 102 adults aged 40–80 years with chronic non-fluent post-stroke aphasia. Both groups received therapy five times weekly for eight weeks. Language performance and aphasia-related quality of life improved in both groups, while the virtual reality group showed gains across all Gulhane Aphasia Test subscales. Between-group differences favored virtual reality for oral motor performance (p = 0.005), naming (p = 0.001), and enjoyment (p = 0.002).
Key findings
- Both groups improved on the Gulhane Aphasia Test and Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale (p < 0.05).
- The virtual reality group improved across all Gulhane Aphasia Test subscales; the control group did not improve in listening comprehension or repetition.
- Between-group gains favored virtual reality for oral motor performance (p = 0.005), naming (p = 0.001), and enjoyment (p = 0.002).
Why it matters
The findings suggest immersive virtual reality may support naming outcomes and engagement in rehabilitation for chronic post-stroke aphasia, alongside improvements seen with conventional therapy. The comparison is clinically relevant because it evaluates a self-managed therapy format, but the reported outcomes do not establish whether benefits persist or whether the approach is effective in home settings.
What to keep in mind
Long-term effects and the potential for home-based use were not established; the authors identify these as areas for future study.