Development and Validation of Language and Communication Assessment Scales

NCT07518576 | Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: 2022.02
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The aim of speech therapy for people with aphasia is to improve their ability to communicate in daily life. Traditional evaluations focus on linguistic tasks, but they do not fully address everyday communication skills, which are crucial for creating personalized treatment goals. The study suggests a multimodal approach to language assessment, stressing the importance of gestures in communication. It calls for the development of tools that evaluate communication in a wider context, including factors like motivation, attention, awareness, and alternative communication strategies. Additionally, there is a need for tools specifically designed to assess communicative gestures.

Conditions

Language Disorders; Aphasia

Keywords

language disorders; aphasia; conversation; gestures; assessment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Communicative efficacy

  Validity of the Communicative Efficacy Scale - Italian version: Content and construct validity assessed in aphasic patients; construct validity via correlation with established communication and gesture measures (correlation coefficients -1 to +1; closer to ±1 = stronger relationship). Reliability of the Communicative Efficacy Scale - Italian version: Inter- and intra-rater reliability evaluated using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient Communicative efficacy refers to the ability to effectively convey thoughts, needs, and emotions in a way that others can understand. It involves clarity, adaptability in communication methods, effective interaction, and achieving communicative goals. In speech-language rehabilitation, enhancing communicative efficacy focuses on improving a person's ability to participate in social, personal, and professional interactions despite language impairments, aiming to increase confidence and meaningful engagement in everyday communication.

  36 months

Study Arms (1)

person with aphasia

Behavioral: conversational approach

Interventions

conversational approach BEHAVIORAL

The conversational approach in speech-language rehabilitation focuses on improving communication within real-life, functional contexts. It emphasizes natural, interactive communication, helping individuals engage in meaningful conversations and participate in daily activities. Therapy often involves practicing communication in real-life scenarios, incorporating verbal and non-verbal cues. The goal is to enhance confidence and effectiveness in communication, allowing individuals with speech or language difficulties to regain autonomy and engage more fully in social and professional settings. Additionally, the assessment process is based on these principles and should also take place in conversation, evaluating communication skills within realistic, everyday contexts to better guide treatment planning.

person with aphasia

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 90 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

person with aphasia

You may qualify if:

• Patient admitted to the hospital for an intensive neurorehabilitation cycle or attending as an outpatient Diagnosis of language and communication disorders following a stroke in the right or left hemisphere Age \> 18 years Ability to provide informed consent Native speaker of Italian (L1 Italian)

You may not qualify if:

• Unstable clinical conditions that may interfere with participation in the study (e.g., active symptomatic infections, stupor, need for oxygen therapy)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy: lead

Study Sites (1)

IRCCS San Camillo

Venice, VE, 30126, Italy

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Language Disorders; Aphasia; Gestures

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Communication Disorders; Neurobehavioral Manifestations; Neurologic Manifestations; Nervous System Diseases; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Speech Disorders; Kinesics; Nonverbal Communication; Communication; Behavior

Central Study Contacts

Sara Nordio, SLP,PhD

CONTACT

3494990310; sara.nordio@hsancamillo.it

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: COHORT
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 25, 2026
• First Posted: April 8, 2026
• Study Start: May 9, 2022
• Primary Completion: May 30, 2022
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 31, 2026
• Last Updated: April 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

IT (1)