Review on the improvements in communication skills among aphasic patients through the use of portable technology

Abstract

Background: Stroke is an abrupt interruption of brain circulation that constitutes a neurological emergency. Aphasia is a language disorder caused by stroke. It can affect patients’ reading, writing, comprehension and expression. The aim of the study is to find out if the use of the latest portable technologies such as tablets, computers and mobile phones can help to improve the rehabilitation of patients with aphasia. Methods: A literature review has been carried out on the main databases; Pubmed, Scopus and Cinahl, of articles in english and spanish published between june and december 2019 following the PRISMA methodology. Results: Sixty-two articles were included in which the use of technologies alongside traditional rehabilitation therapies showed that might improve the recovery of aphasic patients. Most studies have a sample size of less than fifty patients (21.7%), with only three publications having a sample size of more than 150 patients (1.86%). Conclusions: The review shows that the use of digital applications might improve aphasia rehabilitation in patients who have suffered a stroke, but more studies are needed due to the small sample size of those conducted so far and to explore whether that improvement hold up over time.