ABSTRACT
Background
Previous studies have demonstrated that naming treatments can improve language abilities in people with aphasia (PWA). However, there is currently a lack of protocols for evidence-based naming treatment in Hebrew.
Aims
This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel morphology-based naming treatment for Hebrew-speaking PWA and to investigate subject-related factors influence responsiveness to the treatment.
Method & Procedures
Twelve chronic stroke PWA and moderate to severe anomia participated in 20 treatment sessions focused on the root-structure morphology of Hebrew. Treatment stimuli incorporated morphologically complex words comprising root and template. Treatment effects were assessed at both subject level and group level.
Outcomes & Results
The treatment showed promising results, with a significant increase in correct naming for both treated and untreated complex words. These gains were maintained for at least 10 weeks post-treatment. Most of the benefit was achieved during the first 10 treatment sessions. Additionally, the group demonstrated generalization effects to naming simple words. Pre-treatment performance in naming morphologically complex words predicted higher treatment gains during the follow-up session, irrespective of word type.
Conclusions
These findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the efficacy of root-based naming treatment for Hebrew-speaking PWA. Future research should compare this treatment to an untreated control group and to other treatment methods in Hebrew speakers to further validate its benefits.
Disclosure statement
The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.