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Post-Stroke Aphasia – Intensive SLT Evidence — SCE Neurology MCQ

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ModerateNeurorehabilitationPost-Stroke Aphasia – Intensive SLT EvidenceSCE Neurology

A 65-year-old man with a right MCA territory stroke has persistent expressive aphasia at 6 months. He can understand spoken language but has difficulty producing speech. He is frustrated. His SLT asks about the evidence for intensive aphasia therapy. What does the RELEASE trial show?

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Correct answer: E — Greater intensity and duration of SLT after stroke is associated with greater improvement in language outcomes

The RELEASE individual patient data meta-analysis (2022) demonstrated a clear dose-response relationship: more intensive SLT (more hours per week and more total hours) produced greater improvements in language outcomes after stroke. This supports the recommendation for high-intensity, sustained SLT for aphasia rehabilitation. NICE CG162 recommends at least 45 minutes of SLT at least 5 days per week. Both face-to-face and technology-assisted therapy can contribute to the total dose. A: There is strong evidence of benefit. C: Benefits extend beyond the first month. D: Individual therapy is also effective. E: Both modalities can be effective.

Reference: RELEASE Study (Brady et al., 2022); NICE CG162