VR Speech-Language Therapy for Speech Disorders

Overseen By Mathieu Figeys, PhD, RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Disqualifiers: Severe cognitive, Neurological, Psychiatric, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Factors related to successful rehabilitation are often directly related to adherence; for instance, dosage, frequency, and intensity can burden the patient regarding time and motivational factors. Furthermore, surrounding salience, patients may lose interest or find an intervention boring after a few sessions. It is well documented that nonadherence not only impacts rehabilitation for the patient but can also further prolong treatment, and increase hospital and clinician costs, in addition to a higher prevalence of future comorbidities. Therefore, strategies that improve patient adherence can significantly help optimize patient care and treatment outcomes. One avenue to increase patient adherence is through the gamification of rehabilitation therapies using virtual reality (VR). Gamification of rehabilitation therapy can make mass practice required in rehabilitation therapies seemingly fun and more personally engaging for the patient. Additionally, the immersive experience achieved through VR can further promote salience and be customizable to individual patient requirements. As VR systems are now highly portable and relatively simple to utilize, they can provide an excellent opportunity to continue rehabilitation practice on the home front. Overall, the VR gamification of rehabilitation may increase adherence by shifting patients' perspectives of therapy as tedious, boring, or a hassle, to a fun and engaging game that ultimately helps their recovery processes. The GlenXRose VR-delivered speech-language therapies (Cognitive Projections Lab, University of Alberta) have been developed and piloted in collaboration with the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital with the overall goal of increasing patient adherence, treatment outcomes, and satisfaction with vocal therapy. The proposed studies are to investigate the feasibility of implementing this technology in routine clinical care (specific to voice disorders), obtaining clinician feedback, examining associated financial costs, and continuing to examine the effect of the GlenXRose VR speech-language therapies on patient adherence and clinical outcomes, compared to traditional clinical care.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies for speech disorders?

Research shows that virtual reality (VR) can be an effective tool for speech therapy, as it helps improve language skills and communication in people with speech disorders. Studies have found that VR-based therapies can lead to greater improvements in language comprehension, naming, and sentence construction compared to traditional methods, and they also enhance motivation and engagement. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does the VR Speech-Language Therapy treatment differ from other treatments for speech disorders?

VR Speech-Language Therapy is unique because it uses immersive virtual reality to create realistic environments where patients can practice communication skills, which can help them transfer these skills to real-life situations. This approach is different from traditional therapies as it provides a safe, engaging, and interactive way to simulate real-world communication challenges. ^{3 6 7 8 9}

Research Team

Antonio Miguel Cruz, DrSc

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

Adriana Rios Rincon, PhD, R.OT

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

James Raso, MASc

Principal Investigator

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Alberta Health Services

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for English-speaking adults with a speech disorder who are currently receiving speech-language therapy at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. They must be able to consent to participate. It's not for those with substance use disorders, comprehension issues due to communication disorders, severe cognitive or behavioral impairments, or a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I am currently receiving speech-language therapy at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

Able to provide signed informed consent to participate in the study

Proficiency in English

Exclusion Criteria

You have had a neurological or psychiatric disorder in the past.

You have a problem with using drugs or alcohol.

You have trouble understanding and following spoken instructions and using the scales in the study.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive GlenXRose VR-delivered speech-language therapies and standard clinical care

12 weeks

Weekly virtual and in-person sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) GlenXRose Speech-Language Therapies in improving patient adherence and treatment outcomes compared to traditional methods. It aims to make rehabilitation engaging through gamification and assesses feasibility, clinician feedback, costs, and clinical results.

Participant Groups

Group I: Virtual Reality Delivered Therapy + Standard Clinical Care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The GlenXRose virtual reality therapies will be delivered to participants using a head-mounted device to allow vocal therapy and practice. Participants will also receive routine clinical care provided by speech-language pathologists.

Group II: Standard Clinical Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive routine clinical care provided by speech-language pathologists.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials

957

Recruited

437,000+

Alberta Health services

Collaborator

Trials

168

Recruited

658,000+

Findings from Research

Virtual reality (VR) interventions showed a borderline significant reduction in the severity of language impairment in patients with post-stroke aphasia, based on a review of five studies involving 121 participants.

However, VR did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact on functional communication, word finding, or repetition compared to conventional rehabilitation methods, indicating that while VR may help with language severity, its overall effectiveness in communication skills needs further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of virtual reality in post-stroke aphasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cao, Y., Huang, X., Zhang, B., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of 14 studies involving 229 participants found that virtual reality (VR) is primarily used to target language impairments in aphasia rehabilitation, achieving positive outcomes in this area.

Despite the potential of VR to enhance communication activity and overall well-being, most studies focus narrowly on language remediation, indicating a need for broader applications in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of aphasia: a systematic review. Devane, N., Behn, N., Marshall, J., et al.[2023]

Emerging research indicates that non-immersive virtual reality (VR) can effectively enhance communication interventions for individuals with communication disabilities, showing positive outcomes and the potential for skills learned in VR to transfer to real-world situations.

While VR presents exciting opportunities for speech-language pathology, it also raises important ethical and safety concerns, such as cybersecurity and the risk of cybersickness, which must be addressed in future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of virtual reality technologies in the field of communication disability: implications for practice and research. Bryant, L., Brunner, M., Hemsley, B.[2021]

The study involved 32 children with speech disorders, comparing the effectiveness of traditional speech therapy to a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) intervention, which showed greater improvements in language skills for the VRRS group.

Children using VRRS demonstrated significant enhancements in various language components, such as word comprehension, naming, and sentence construction, indicating that VRRS can be a promising tool for speech rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Speech Intervention Implemented with a Virtual Reality System in Children with Developmental Language Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial. Cappadona, I., Ielo, A., La Fauci, M., et al.[2023]

A study involving 36 chronic aphasia patients showed that virtual reality (VR) therapy led to significant improvements in language tasks and psychological aspects like self-esteem and mood, compared to traditional therapy.

While both VR and conventional therapy groups showed no significant differences overall, the VR group demonstrated broader cognitive and emotional benefits, highlighting the potential of VR to enhance both language recovery and psychosocial well-being in aphasia rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conversational Therapy through Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for Language Recovery and Psychological Well-Being in Post Stroke Aphasia. Giachero, A., Calati, M., Pia, L., et al.[2021]

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and VR specialists believe that virtual reality (VR) could significantly enhance rehabilitation for cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), providing a safe environment for practice.

While there is enthusiasm for VR applications in this area, participants highlighted the need to address potential barriers and risks before implementation, suggesting that careful planning is essential for successful integration into clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Speech-Language Pathologists' Views of Using Virtual Reality for Managing Cognitive-Communication Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Brassel, S., Brunner, M., Power, E., et al.[2023]

Participants aged 46-81 with acquired communication disorders found the immersive VR application (SIM:Kitchen) enjoyable and realistic, indicating its potential for enhancing communication rehabilitation.

The study identified that while the VR experience was positively received, improvements are needed in the VR hand controller technology to make movements more naturalistic and user-friendly.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rehabilitation Supported by Immersive Virtual Reality for Adults With Communication Disorders: Semistructured Interviews and Usability Survey Study. Vaezipour, A., Aldridge, D., Koenig, S., et al.[2023]

Health professionals and technology specialists emphasized the importance of co-designing virtual reality (VR) applications for communication rehabilitation, ensuring that the software meets the diverse needs of clients with communication disabilities.

Key design considerations for effective VR applications include creating realistic and immersive environments, understanding the necessary hardware, and recognizing that VR should complement, not replace, the role of health professionals in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collaborative co-design and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality application prototype for communication rehabilitation (DISCOVR prototype). Bryant, L., Sedlarevic, N., Stubbs, P., et al.[2022]

A study involving 23 participants demonstrated that VR-assisted therapy significantly reduced public speaking anxiety after a three-hour session, showing effectiveness similar to previous trials.

The therapy worked by decreasing negative beliefs and distress related to public speaking, suggesting that VR can be a practical and effective tool for treating anxiety in routine care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety in routine care: a single-subject effectiveness trial. Lindner, P., Dagöö, J., Hamilton, W., et al.[2021]

References

1. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of virtual reality in post-stroke aphasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of aphasia: a systematic review. [2023]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of virtual reality technologies in the field of communication disability: implications for practice and research. [2021]

4. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Speech Intervention Implemented with a Virtual Reality System in Children with Developmental Language Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial. [2023]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conversational Therapy through Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for Language Recovery and Psychological Well-Being in Post Stroke Aphasia. [2021]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Speech-Language Pathologists' Views of Using Virtual Reality for Managing Cognitive-Communication Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury. [2023]

7. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rehabilitation Supported by Immersive Virtual Reality for Adults With Communication Disorders: Semistructured Interviews and Usability Survey Study. [2023]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collaborative co-design and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality application prototype for communication rehabilitation (DISCOVR prototype). [2022]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety in routine care: a single-subject effectiveness trial. [2021]