Learn about the latest research projects our students are undertaking as part of their PhD studies. Students were invited to do a 10 minute presentation on their research in the Student Showcase competition, we are pleased to share some of these presentations. To see more, check the Student research category on the blog sidebar.
Aphasia CRE Student Showcase 2021 presentation by the competition winner, Sam Harvey from La Trobe University, “Treatment dose in aphasia rehabilitation research: Key challenges and possible solutions”
Background: Improving aphasia recovery and rehabilitation relies in part on the evaluation and enhancement of treatment effectiveness. Treatment dose likely mediates and explains aphasia treatment response to some extent however the exploration of dose-response relationships is yet an emerging area of inquiry. A number of problems may need to be solved in order to advance our understanding of dose-response relationships in aphasia rehabilitation research.
Aims: To outline three key challenges in developing greater understanding of the effect of treatment dose on aphasia rehabilitation outcomes and to propose possible avenues to overcoming these challenges.
Methods: Challenges have been identified throughout a program of research seeking to build understanding of dose-response relationships in aphasia rehabilitation. Two systematic reviews exploring 1) dose conceptualisation, measurement and reporting and 2) dose effects in aphasia intervention research literature have been conducted. A pilot clinical trial evaluating the effect of personalising treatment dose has also been completed.
Results: Treatment dose is under-specified in aphasia research resulting in inadequate measurement and reporting of dose parameters and hampering attempts to evaluate dose-response relationships. Consistent dose conceptualisation that accounts for biopsychosocial factors is required. Inherent treatment response variability across individuals with aphasia necessitates the application of innovative methods to examine dose-response relationships.
Discussion: Treatment dose is an emerging area of research in aphasia rehabilitation. Understanding the effect of dose on treatment outcomes may lead to enhanced treatment effectiveness. Barriers will need to be overcome to advance understanding of dose-response relationships in aphasia rehabilitation.