Action Observation Therapy in Chronic Aphasic Patients: Applications in Speech and Language Therapy Clinical Practice
Anna Rita Dellomonaco, Valentina Lavermicocca
Mirror neurons have been largely studied, from their localization and activation to their function, giving an important contribute to neuroscience. Several evidences support Action Observation Therapy (AOT), an approach based on mirror neurons activation, used in addition to the traditional interventions in neuro-rehabilitation, concerning motor recovery in post-stroke patients. The studies about mutual influence between gestures and language and the wide presence of mirror neurons in the Broca’s area made it possible to hypothesize that using the AOT in the rehabilitation of aphasic patients’ communication could be useful. The aim of this study is the application of AOT techniques to improve communication effectiveness in chronic aphasic patients. Nine patients with chronic non-fluent aphasia underwent an intensive training, preceded and followed by the assessment of language and communication skills. The training lasted four consecutive weeks, four sessions per week of 30 minutes each. The videos showed, were realized respecting the essential characteristics to activate mirror neurons. The statistical analysis of the evaluation before and after training didn’t reach statistical significance, as the evaluation after the training and at the follow-up. The statistical analysis of the modification of communication effectiveness showed a significant variation. This study shows the potential of AOT in speech and language rehabilitation and highlights the fact that AOT could support the traditional interventions.
Keywords
Aphasia, Rehabilitation, Action Observation Therapy, Mirror neurons.