Development of the Digital Speech Assessment Instrument.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a Digital Speech Assessment Instrument to evaluate the phonological and motor speech skills of Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children and adolescents through six tasks: (a) word naming, (b) word imitation, (c) pseudoword imitation, (d) word repetition, (e) pseudoword repetition, and (f) diadochokinesis. METHOD: The assessment instrument was developed and validated in a seven-step process, beginning with stimulus selection and ending with Pilot Study 1 (involving children and adolescents with typical speech development) and Pilot Study 2 (involving children and adolescents with speech sound disorders [SSDs]). Participants of the study included expert and nonexpert judges, children, and adolescents. RESULTS: The Digital Speech Assessment Instrument contains 91 real words (61 in the naming task, 51 in the imitation task, and five in the repetition task), 26 pseudowords (26 in the imitation task and four in the repetition task), and six stimuli for diadochokinesis. The test contains stimuli in the form of images as well as audio and video recordings and allows for the analysis and storage of participant data in a virtual database. CONCLUSIONS: This study described the development of the Digital Speech Assessment Instrument, available in Brazilian Portuguese for the evaluation of several aspects of speech production (including word and pseudoword naming, imitation, and repetition and diadochokinesis). The test was developed for children aged 2;0 (years;months) to 17;11 and is administered fully online. In the future, the instrument can be used to provide a timely and accurate diagnosis of SSDs.

Semantic analysis of words for the Virtual Tool for Speech Assessment / Análise semântica de palavras do Instrumento Virtual de Avaliação da Fala

ABSTRACT Purpose: to carry out the semantic analysis of a list of words that will compose a virtual tool for speech assessment for children and adolescents. Methods: twenty-three participants, aged between 2 years old and 17 years and 11 months old, from the central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, assigned the concept of 91 words. Data analysis was performed quantitatively, considering the concept of each word as correct or incorrect. Content Validity Ratio (RVC) and Gwet's first-order agreement coefficient (AC1) statistical calculation were calculated. Results: from the word list analyzed, 42 stimuli presented CVR = 1; 30 words obtained CVR = 0.9; 11 with CVR = 0.8; six with CVR = 0.7; two had CVR = 0.4. Gwet's AC1 statistical calculation resulted in AC1 = 0.92 [CI = 0.90 - 0.94] for semantic analysis. Conclusion: the list consisted of 91 semantically validated words that can be used to assess the speech production of children and adolescents.

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar a análise semântica da lista de palavras que comporá um Instrumento Virtual de Avaliação da Fala para crianças e adolescentes. Métodos: vinte e três participantes, com idades entre 2 e 17 anos e 11 meses, atribuíram o conceito de 91 palavras. A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma quantitativa, considerando a conceituação de cada palavra como correta ou incorreta. Foi realizado cálculo da Razão de Validade de Conteúdo (RVC) e o cálculo estatístico first-order agreement coefficient (AC1) de Gwet. Resultados: da lista de palavras analisada, 42 estímulos apresentaram RVC=1; 30 palavras obtiveram RVC=0,9; 11 com RVC=0,8; seis com RVC=0,7; duas apresentaram RVC=0,4. O cálculo estatístico AC1 de Gwet resultou em AC1=0,92 [IC=0,90 - 0,94] para a análise semântica. Conclusão: a lista ficou constituída de 91 palavras validadas semanticamente e que podem servir para avaliação da produção de fala de crianças e adolescentes.

Acoustic and Physiological Voice Assessment And Maximum Phonation Time In Patients With Different Types Of Dysarthria.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the maximum phonation time of /a/, acoustic glottal source parameters, and physiological measures in patients with dysarthria. METHOD: Thirteen patients were classified according to dysarthria type and divided into functional profiles (hypofunctional, hyperfunctional, and mixed). Assessments of maximum phonation time of /a/, glottal source parameters, electroglottography, and nasometry were performed. Results were compared between groups using ANOVA and Tukey posthoc tests. RESULTS: The highest fundamental frequency differed significantly between groups, with the hyperfunctional profile showing higher values than the other participant groups. Reductions in the maximum phonation time of /a/ and alterations in acoustic glottal source parameters and electroglottography measures were observed in all groups, with no significant differences between them. The remaining measures did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: The maximum phonation times for /a/ were reduced in all participant groups, suggesting air escape during phonation. The presence of alterations in several glottal source parameters in all participant groups is indicative of noise, tremor, and vocal instability. Lastly, the high fundamental frequency in patients with a hyperfunctional profile reinforces the presence of vocal instability. These findings suggest that, although the characteristics observed in the assessments were consistent with expectations of patients with dysarthria, it is difficult to perform a differential diagnosis of this condition based on acoustic and physiological parameters alone.

Development and Evidence of Content Validity of the Spectrographic Vocal Assessment Protocol (SVAP).

OBJECTIVE: To develop and seek evidence of content validity of a spectrographic vocal assessment protocol. METHODS: Methodological study for development and validation of an assessment instrument. A broad literature search was conducted to develop and substantiate a spectrographic vocal assessment protocol. The protocol items were sent to five expert judges, speech therapists, nonauthors of the research, doctors, and clinicians, with experience in the field of voice and spectrographic acoustic analysis, who individually analyzed the protocol items. For data analysis, the Gwet analysis and the Content Validity Ratio formula were used. RESULTS: The Spectrographic Vocal Assessment Protocol was developed, subdivided into Broadband and Narrowband. Twenty-four protocol items had Content Validity Ratio 1.0 and 25 items had 0.6. Gwet analysis indicated substantial agreement (0.656) for broadband and almost perfect (0.848) for narrowband items. CONCLUSION: Evidence of satisfactory content validity was obtained in the development of the protocol.

Spectrographic Vocal Assessment Protocol (SVAP): Reliability and Criterion Validity.

OBJECTIVE: To present evidence of the reliability and validity in the Spectrographic Vocal Assessment Protocol. METHODS: The sample consisted of 50 female participants, aged 25-62 years old, 24 with a otorhinolaryngological diagnosis of the normal larynx or posterior glottal gap, and 26 diagnosed with vocal fold disturbances. The emission of the vowel /a:/ was analyzed by the Real Time Spectrogram software. The spectrographs were analyzed with a protocol by two speech therapist judges. For reliability analysis, inter- and intrajudge analysis were performed using the Kendall coefficient. For criterion validity, the t test for matched samples with Bonferroni correction was used to compare the average performance of the protocol between the two groups of subjects. RESULTS: Protocol reliability: for broadband items, the agreement between judges ranged from moderate (0.462) to almost perfect (0.888), and it is significant for all items, and an intrajudge agreement was almost perfect and significant (0.865-1.000) for all items. For narrowband items, the agreement between judges ranged from moderate (0.469) to almost perfect (0.922), and it is significant for all items except for the presence of "subharmonics in high frequencies" where agreement was moderate (0.504), but not significant, and the intrajudge agreement was almost perfect (0.874-1.000) and significant for all items. Criterion validity: for most broadband and narrowband items, the groups with normal or altered diagnosis differed statistically. CONCLUSION: The Spectrographic Vocal Assessment Protocol presented adequate evidence in reliability and validity.

Correction to: Brief Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery: adaptation and content validity.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Brief Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery: adaptation and content validity.

BACKGROUND: Evaluating patients in the acute phase of brain damage allows for the early detection of cognitive and linguistic impairments and the implementation of more effective interventions. However, few cross-cultural instruments are available for the bedside assessment of language abilities. The aim of this study was to develop a brief assessment instrument and evaluate its content validity. METHODS: Stimuli for the new assessment instrument were selected from the M1-Alpha and MTL-BR batteries (Stage 1). Sixty-five images were redesigned and analyzed by non-expert judges (Stage 2). This was followed by the analysis of expert judges (Stage 3), where nine speech pathologists with doctoral training and experience in aphasiology and/or linguistics evaluated the images, words, nonwords, and phrases for inclusion in the instrument. Two pilot studies (Stage 4) were then conducted in order to identify any remaining errors in the instrument and scoring instructions. RESULTS: Sixty of the 65 figures examined by the judges achieved inter-rater agreement rates of at least 80%. Modifications were suggested to 22 images, which were therefore reanalyzed by the judges, who reached high levels of inter-rater agreement (AC1 = 0.98 [CI = 0.96-1]). New types of stimuli such as nonwords and irregular words were also inserted in the Brief Battery and favorably evaluated by the expert judges. Optional tasks were also developed for specific diagnostic situations. After the correction of errors detected in Stage 4, the final version of the instrument was obtained. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed the content validity of the Brief MTL-BR Battery. The method used in this investigation was effective and can be used in future studies to develop brief instruments based on preexisting assessment batteries.

Brief Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery: adaptation and content validity

Background Evaluating patients in the acute phase of brain damage allows for the early detection of cognitive and linguistic impairments and the implementation of more effective interventions. However, few cross-cultural instruments are available for the bedside assessment of language abilities. The aim of this study was to develop a brief assessment instrument and evaluate its content validity. Methods Stimuli for the new assessment instrument were selected from the M1-Alpha and MTL-BR batteries (Stage 1). Sixty-five images were redesigned and analyzed by non-expert judges (Stage 2). This was followed by the analysis of expert judges (Stage 3), where nine speech pathologists with doctoral training and experience in aphasiology and/or linguistics evaluated the images, words, nonwords, and phrases for inclusion in the instrument. Two pilot studies (Stage 4) were then conducted in order to identify any remaining errors in the instrument and scoring instructions. Results Sixty of the 65 figures examined by the judges achieved inter-rater agreement rates of at least 80%. Modifications were suggested to 22 images, which were therefore reanalyzed by the judges, who reached high levels of inter-rater agreement (AC1 = 0.98 [CI = 0.96-1]). New types of stimuli such as nonwords and irregular words were also inserted in the Brief Battery and favorably evaluated by the expert judges. Optional tasks were also developed for specific diagnostic situations. After the correction of errors detected in Stage 4, the final version of the instrument was obtained. Conclusion This study confirmed the content validity of the Brief MTL-BR Battery. The method used in this investigation was effective and can be used in future studies to develop brief instruments based on preexisting assessment batteries.

Preparation of a Protocol for Instrumental Assessment of Speech (PRAINF) based on psychometric and linguistic criteria. / Elaboração de um Protocolo de Avaliação Instrumental da Fala (PRAINF) baseado em critérios linguísticos e psicométricos.

OBJECTIVE: Propose a protocol for instrumental assessment of adult speech considering psychometric and linguistic criteria. METHODS: The choice of words was based on previously defined Brazilian Portuguese linguistic criteria after a search on the "Portal da Língua Portuguesa" database using the Portuguese Orthographic Vocabulary (VOP). The defined linguistic criteria considered grammatical class, vowel context, number of syllables, stress, and presence of words in the daily life of Brazilian adults. The choice of the images to represent the words considered the criteria of imageability, clearness, and cultural aspects. The words and images were rigorously evaluated by 13 non-specialist judges and six specialist judges. After being examined by the judges, the words were tested in adults through instrumental assessment. RESULTS: The protocol was composed of 19 words and images, with prevalence of nouns over adjectives. Each word included one target sound in Onset Medial position, in the context precedent and following the vowel [a], trisyllabic and paroxytone words. The adults that attended the instrumental assessments succeeded in producing the list of words spontaneously. The data obtained through the assessments provided adequate analysis. CONCLUSION: This study provided additional information on psychometric and linguistic criteria in addition to providing a protocol for instrumental assessment of adult speech.

OBJETIVO: Propor um protocolo para avaliação instrumental da fala de adultos, considerando critérios linguísticos e psicométricos. MÉTODO: A escolha das palavras para compor o protocolo foi baseada em critérios linguísticos do Português Brasileiro (PB), previamente definidos, após busca no banco de dados do Portal da Língua Portuguesa, utilizando o Vocabulário Ortográfico Português (VOP). Os critérios definidos foram em relação à classe gramatical, ao contexto vocálico, ao número de sílabas, à tonicidade e à presença das palavras no cotidiano dos adultos brasileiros. A escolha das figuras para representarem as palavras levou em consideração os critérios de imageabilidade, clareza da figura e aspectos culturais da imagem. RESULTADOS: O instrumento foi composto por 19 palavras/figuras, prevalecendo substantivos em relação aos adjetivos, cada palavra contemplando um fonema-alvo na posição de Onset Medial, no contexto vocálico seguinte e precedente à vogal [a], trissílabas e paroxítonas. As palavras e figuras passaram por criteriosa avaliação de 13 juízes não especialistas e 6 juízes especialistas. Após a fase de apreciação pelos juízes, as palavras foram testadas em adultos mediante avaliação instrumental. Os adultos que realizaram as avaliações instrumentais conseguiram produzir a lista de palavras espontaneamente, e os dados obtidos através das avaliações possibilitaram adequada análise. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo forneceu informações a respeito de critérios psicométricos e linguísticos, e disponibilizou um protocolo para avaliação instrumental de fala para adultos.

Elaboração de um Protocolo de Avaliação Instrumental da Fala (PRAINF) baseado em critérios linguísticos e psicométricos / Preparation of a Protocol for Instrumental Assessment of Speech (PRAINF) based on psychometric and linguistic criteria

RESUMO Objetivo Propor um protocolo para avaliação instrumental da fala de adultos, considerando critérios linguísticos e psicométricos. Método A escolha das palavras para compor o protocolo foi baseada em critérios linguísticos do Português Brasileiro (PB), previamente definidos, após busca no banco de dados do Portal da Língua Portuguesa, utilizando o Vocabulário Ortográfico Português (VOP). Os critérios definidos foram em relação à classe gramatical, ao contexto vocálico, ao número de sílabas, à tonicidade e à presença das palavras no cotidiano dos adultos brasileiros. A escolha das figuras para representarem as palavras levou em consideração os critérios de imageabilidade, clareza da figura e aspectos culturais da imagem. Resultados O instrumento foi composto por 19 palavras/figuras, prevalecendo substantivos em relação aos adjetivos, cada palavra contemplando um fonema-alvo na posição de Onset Medial, no contexto vocálico seguinte e precedente à vogal [a], trissílabas e paroxítonas. As palavras e figuras passaram por criteriosa avaliação de 13 juízes não especialistas e 6 juízes especialistas. Após a fase de apreciação pelos juízes, as palavras foram testadas em adultos mediante avaliação instrumental. Os adultos que realizaram as avaliações instrumentais conseguiram produzir a lista de palavras espontaneamente, e os dados obtidos através das avaliações possibilitaram adequada análise. Conclusão Este estudo forneceu informações a respeito de critérios psicométricos e linguísticos, e disponibilizou um protocolo para avaliação instrumental de fala para adultos.

ABSTRACT Objective Propose a protocol for instrumental assessment of adult speech considering psychometric and linguistic criteria. Methods The choice of words was based on previously defined Brazilian Portuguese linguistic criteria after a search on the "Portal da Língua Portuguesa" database using the Portuguese Orthographic Vocabulary (VOP). The defined linguistic criteria considered grammatical class, vowel context, number of syllables, stress, and presence of words in the daily life of Brazilian adults. The choice of the images to represent the words considered the criteria of imageability, clearness, and cultural aspects. The words and images were rigorously evaluated by 13 non-specialist judges and six specialist judges. After being examined by the judges, the words were tested in adults through instrumental assessment. Results The protocol was composed of 19 words and images, with prevalence of nouns over adjectives. Each word included one target sound in Onset Medial position, in the context precedent and following the vowel [a], trisyllabic and paroxytone words. The adults that attended the instrumental assessments succeeded in producing the list of words spontaneously. The data obtained through the assessments provided adequate analysis. Conclusion This study provided additional information on psychometric and linguistic criteria in addition to providing a protocol for instrumental assessment of adult speech.

Processamento comunicativo em adultos com AVC unilateral de hemisfério direito: avaliação através de bateria breve / Procesamiento comunicativo en adultos con ACV unilateral del hemisferio derecho: evaluación a través de una batería breve / Communicative processing in adults with unilateral right hemisphere stroke: assessment by means of a short battery

Pacientes com lesão cerebrovascular de hemisfério direito (LHD) tendem a apresentar déficits comunicativos. Este estudo visou a investigar o processamento comunicativo de pacientes com acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) de hemisfério direito. A amostra incluiu 100 participantes: 25 com LHD, 25 com AVC de hemisfério esquerdo (LHE) e 50 controles neurologicamente preservados (PNP). Os participantes responderam a um questionário de dados sociodemográficos, ao Mini Exame do Estado Mental para avaliar capacidade cognitiva geral, à Escala de Depressão Geriátrica de 15 pontos e à Escala Beck de Depressão para investigar sintomas depressivos, ao Teste dos Sinos para avaliar heminegligência, e à Escala Rankin Modificada para verificar capacidade funcional. O processamento comunicativo foi avaliado com a Bateria Montreal de Avaliação da Comunicação, versão abreviada - Bateria MAC Breve. Os escores foram comparados por One-Way ANOVA e Qui-quadrado. Houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos LHD e PNP em 89% das tarefas, mas não entre os grupos LHD e LHE. Além disso, o grupo LHD apresentou desempenho comunicativo inferior ao grupo PNP. Tais achados sugerem evidências de cooperação interhemisférica para os processamentos comunicativos.

Los pacientes con lesión cerebrovascular de hemisferio derecho (LHD) tienden a presentar déficits comunicativos. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar el procesamiento comunicativo de pacientes con accidente cerebrovascular (ACV) de hemisferio derecho. La muestra incluyó 100 participantes: 25 con LHD, 25 con ACV de hemisferio izquierdo (LHI) y 50 controles neurológicamente preservados (CNP). Los participantes respondieron a un cuestionario sociodemográfico, el Mini Examen del Estado Mental para medir la capacidad cognitiva general; la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica y la Escala Beck de Depresión, para investigar los síntomas depresivos; el Test de Marcación de Campanas, para evaluar heminegligencia, y la Escala de Rankin Modificada, para verificar la capacidad funcional. El procesamiento comunicativo fue evaluado con la Batería Montreal de Evaluación de la Comunicación, versión abreviada - Batería MAC Abreviada. Las puntuaciones fueron comparadas por ANOVA de una vía y Chi-cuadrado. Hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos LHD y CNP en 89% de las tareas, pero no entre los grupos LHD y LHI. Además, el grupo LHD presentó un desempeño comunicativo inferior al grupo CNP. Tales descubrimientos sugieren evidencias de cooperación interhemisférica para los procesamientos comunicativos.

Patients with right hemisphere brain damage (RBD) usually experience communication impairments. This study aims to investigate the communication processing in patients who suffered a stroke in the right hemisphere. The sample comprised 100 participants: 25 with RBD, 25 with left hemisphere brain damage (LBD) and 50 neurologically healthy controls (NHC). Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Mini Mental State Examination to measure general cognitive ability, the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Beck Depression Scale to investigate depressive symptoms, the Bells Test to evaluate hemineglect and the Modified Ranking Scale to verify functional capacity. The communication processing was assessed with the use of the Montreal Communication Evaluation Battery, brief version - Brief MAC Battery. The scores were compared using a One-Way ANOVA and the Chi-squared test. There were significant differences between RBD and NHC groups in 89% of the tasks, but not between RBD and LBD groups. Furthermore, the RBD showed inferior communication skills compared to the NHC group. These findings indicate an interhemispheric cooperation for communication processing.

Tools for the assessment of childhood apraxia of speech.

PURPOSE: This study systematically reviews the literature on the main tools used to evaluate childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). RESEARCH STRATEGY: The search strategy includes Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases. SELECTION CRITERIA: Empirical studies that used tools for assessing CAS were selected. DATA ANALYSIS: Articles were selected by two independent researchers. RESULTS: The search retrieved 695 articles, out of which 12 were included in the study. Five tools were identified: Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children, Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skill, The Orofacial Praxis Test, Kaufman Speech Praxis Test for Children, and Madison Speech Assessment Protocol. There are few instruments available for CAS assessment and most of them are intended to assess praxis and/or orofacial movements, sequences of orofacial movements, articulation of syllables and phonemes, spontaneous speech, and prosody. CONCLUSION: There are some tests for assessment and diagnosis of CAS. However, few studies on this topic have been conducted at the national level, as well as protocols to assess and assist in an accurate diagnosis.

Avaliação neuropsicológica no Acidente Vascular Cerebral: um estudo de caso / Neuropsychological assessment in stroke: a case study / Evaluación neuropsicológica en el accidente cerebrovascular: un estudio de caso

O presente artigo tem por objetivo apresentar e analisar a avaliação neuropsicológica em um caso de acidente vascular cerebral. A.B.C., sexo masculino, com 50 anos de idade e 14 de escolaridade, foi encaminhado para esse tipo de avaliação por apresentar sequelas cognitivas e comunicativas sugestivas de alterações de linguagem e de funções executivas. Na tomografia computadorizada de crânio, verificou-se lesão isquêmica na região fronto-têmporo-parietal esquerda. Realizou-se uma avaliação neuropsicológica composta por anamnese, entrevistas com familiares e profissionais da equipe médica e instrumentos padronizados de exame da linguagem, memória, funções executivas e atenção. Foram constatados déficits em linguagem (processamento discursivo, leitura e escrita, nomeação), fluência verbal, funções executivas (flexibilidade cognitiva e inibição), exploração visual, velocidade de processamento, atenção concentrada e memória de trabalho.

This paper aims to present and analyze the neuropsychological assessment in one case of stroke. A.B.C., male, 50 years old, high-educated, was evaluated due to his complaints regarding linguistic and executive functions. The computerized tomography showed an ischemic brain damage in frontal, temporal and parietal left lobes. The neuropsychological assessment included clinical interviews and standardized language, memory, executive functions and attention tests. Some deficits were observed: language (discursive processing, reading and writing, naming), verbal fluency, executive functions (cognitiveflexibility and inhibition), visual scanning, speed processing, sustained attention and working memory.

El presente artículo tiene como objetivo presentar y analizar la evaluación neuropsicológica en un caso de accidente cerebrovascular. A.B.C., sexo masculino, 50 años de edad y 14 años de escolaridad, se refirió a este tipo de evaluación por presentar consecuencias cognitivas y comunicativas sugestivos de trastornos del lenguaje y funciones ejecutivas. En la tomografía computarizada del cráneo se mostró un daño cerebral isquémico en el área frontal-temporal-parietal izquierda. Se realizo una evaluación neuropsicológica compuesta por: anamnesis, entrevistas con familiares y profesionales del equipo medico y instrumentos estandarizados de examen de lenguaje, memoria, funciones ejecutivas y atención. Se observo déficit en lenguaje (procesamiento discursivo, lectura y escritura, nombramiento), fluidez verbal, funciones ejecutivas (flexibilidad cognitiva y inhibición), exploración visual, velocidad de procesamiento,atención concentrada y memoria de trabajo.

Instrumentos para avaliação de apraxia de fala infantil / Tools for the assessment of childhood apraxia of speech

RESUMO Objetivo: Revisar sistematicamente na literatura os principais instrumentos utilizados para avaliação da apraxia de fala infantil. Estratégia de pesquisa: Realizou-se busca nas bases Scopus, PubMed e Embase Critérios de seleção: Foram selecionados estudos empíricos que utilizaram instrumentos de avaliação da apraxia de fala infantil. Análise dos dados: A seleção dos artigos foi realizada por dois pesquisadores independentes. Resultados: Foram encontrados 695 resumos. Após a leitura dos resumos, foram selecionados 12 artigos completos. Foi possível identificar cinco instrumentos: Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children, Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skill , The Orofacial Praxis Test , Kaufman Speech Praxis Test for children e o Madison Speech Assessment Protocol . São poucos os instrumentos utilizados para identificação da apraxia de fala infantil e a maioria destina-se à avaliação da realização de praxias e/ou movimentos orofaciais, sequências de movimentos orofaciais, articulação de fonemas simples, fonemas complexos e sílabas, fala espontânea, além da adequação da prosódia. Conclusões: Percebe-se que existem instrumentos que se propõem a avaliar e diagnosticar a apraxia de fala infantil. No entanto, ainda são escassos os estudos sobre esse tema em nível nacional, bem como protocolos padronizados e validados para a população brasileira que avaliem e ajudem em um diagnóstico preciso.

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study systematically reviews the literature on the main tools used to evaluate childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Research strategy: The search strategy includes Scopus, PubMed, and Embase databases. Selection criteria: Empirical studies that used tools for assessing CAS were selected. Data analysis: Articles were selected by two independent researchers. Results: The search retrieved 695 articles, out of which 12 were included in the study. Five tools were identified: Verbal Motor Production Assessment for Children, Dynamic Evaluation of Motor Speech Skill, The Orofacial Praxis Test, Kaufman Speech Praxis Test for Children, and Madison Speech Assessment Protocol. There are few instruments available for CAS assessment and most of them are intended to assess praxis and/or orofacial movements, sequences of orofacial movements, articulation of syllables and phonemes, spontaneous speech, and prosody. Conclusion: There are some tests for assessment and diagnosis of CAS. However, few studies on this topic have been conducted at the national level, as well as protocols to assess and assist in an accurate diagnosis.

Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery: evidence of criterion validity from patients with aphasia.

BACKGROUND: The Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery - Brazilian version (MTL-BR) provides a general description of language processing and related components in adults with brain injury. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at verifying the criterion-related validity of the Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery - Brazilian version (MTL-BR) by assessing its ability to discriminate between individuals with unilateral brain damage with and without aphasia. METHODS: The investigation was carried out in a Brazilian community-based sample of 104 adults, divided into four groups: 26 participants with left hemisphere damage (LHD) with aphasia, 25 participants with right hemisphere damage (RHD), 28 with LHD non-aphasic, and 25 healthy adults. RESULTS: There were significant differences between patients with aphasia and the other groups on most total and subtotal scores on MTL-BR tasks. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed strong criterion-related validity evidence for the MTL-BR Battery, and provided important information regarding hemispheric specialization and interhemispheric cooperation. Future research is required to search for additional evidence of sensitivity, specificity and validity of the MTL-BR in samples with different types of aphasia and degrees of language impairment.

Relationship between the Brazilian version of the Montreal-Toulouse language assessment battery and education, age and reading and writing characteristics. A cross-sectional study / Relação entre a bateria Montreal-Toulouse de avaliação da linguagem, versão brasileira, e escolaridade, idade e hábitos de leitura e escrita. Um estudo transversal

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is growing concern about understanding how sociodemographic variables may interfere with cognitive functioning, especially with regard to language. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between performance in the Brazilian version of the Montreal-Toulouse language assessment battery (MTL-BR) and education, age and frequency of reading and writing habits (FRWH).DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in university and work environments in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.METHOD: The MTL-BR was administered to a group of 233 healthy adults, aged 19 to 75 years (mean = 45.04, standard deviation, SD = 15.47), with at least five years of formal education (mean = 11.47, SD = 4.77).RESULTS: A stepwise multiple linear regression model showed that, for most tasks, the number of years of education, age and FRWH were better predictors of performance when analyzed together rather than separately. In separate analysis, education was the best predictor of performance in language tasks, especially those involving reading and writing abilities.CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the number of years of education, age and FRWH seem to influence performance in the MTL-BR, especially education. These data are important for making diagnoses of greater precision among patients suffering from brain injuries, with the aim of avoiding false positives.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVO: Há uma preocupação crescente com o entendimento de como as variáveis sociodemográficas podem interferir no funcionamento cognitivo, especialmente na linguagem. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre o desempenho na Bateria Montreal-Toulouse de Avaliação da Linguagem, em sua versão brasileira (MTL-BR), e a escolaridade, a idade e a frequência de hábitos de leitura e escrita (FHLE).TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal conduzido em ambientes universitários e de trabalho do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.MÉTODOS: A Bateria MTL-BR foi administrada em um grupo de 233 adultos saudáveis, de 19 a 75 anos de idade (M = 45,04, desvio padrão, DP = 15,47), com no mínimo cinco anos de estudo formal (M = 11,47, DP = 4,77).RESULTADOS: O modelo de regressão linear múltipla (stepwise) mostrou que, para a maioria das tarefas, os anos de escolaridade, de idade e FHLE são melhores preditores de desempenho quando analisados em conjunto do que separadamente. Quando analisada isoladamente, a escolaridade foi o melhor preditor para o desempenho nas tarefas linguísticas, principalmente nas tarefas que envolvem habilidades de leitura e escrita.CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados mostraram que os anos de escolaridade, idade e FHLE parecem influenciar o desempenho na MTL-BR, principalmente a escolaridade. Esses dados são relevantes para a realização de diagnóstico mais preciso de pacientes que sofreram lesão cerebral a fim de evitar falsos positivos.

Relationship between the Brazilian version of the Montreal-Toulouse language assessment battery and education, age and reading and writing characteristics. A cross-sectional study.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: There is growing concern about understanding how sociodemographic variables may interfere with cognitive functioning, especially with regard to language. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between performance in the Brazilian version of the Montreal-Toulouse language assessment battery (MTL-BR) and education, age and frequency of reading and writing habits (FRWH). DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in university and work environments in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHOD: The MTL-BR was administered to a group of 233 healthy adults, aged 19 to 75 years (mean = 45.04, standard deviation, SD = 15.47), with at least five years of formal education (mean = 11.47, SD = 4.77). RESULTS: A stepwise multiple linear regression model showed that, for most tasks, the number of years of education, age and FRWH were better predictors of performance when analyzed together rather than separately. In separate analysis, education was the best predictor of performance in language tasks, especially those involving reading and writing abilities. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the number of years of education, age and FRWH seem to influence performance in the MTL-BR, especially education. These data are important for making diagnoses of greater precision among patients suffering from brain injuries, with the aim of avoiding false positives.

Montreal-Toulouse language assessment battery for aphasia: validity and reliability evidence.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, no standardized instruments are available to assess language in patients with aphasia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to search for reliability and validity evidence for the Montreal-Toulouse Language Assessment Battery (MTL-BR). METHODS: The sample was composed of 537 adults, of whom 463 were healthy individuals and 74 had neurological lesions (25 participants had right hemisphere brain damage, 21 had left hemisphere damage (LHD) with aphasia and 28 had LHD without aphasia). Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest analyses. Test-retest reliability was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and a repeated measures analysis of variance, with years of education as a covariate. Construct validity was verified by correlations between scores in MTL-BR subtest and similar tasks from other language assessment instruments. RESULTS: Internal consistency was satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha between 0.79 and 0.90), as were correlations between test and retest scores (mean 0.52), and between the MTL-BR and scores in similar instruments. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggested that the MTL-BR battery had adequate reliability and validity as a method for diagnosing and monitoring aphasia.

Instrumentos para avaliação da linguagem pós-lesão cerebrovascular esquerda / Instruments for language assessment following a left brain damage

O tema deste estudo é a avaliação padronizada da linguagem em pacientes com lesão cerebrovascular esquerda (LHE) que pode ser muito útil no estabelecimento do diagnóstico, prognóstico e plano terapêutico, complementando observação, entrevistas e tarefas clínicas. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar quais instrumentos de investigação de linguagem têm sido utilizados para avaliação de quadros neurológicos súbitos envolvendo o hemisfério esquerdo (HE) e analisar quais componentes linguísticos são os mais avaliados. Foi possível identificar nove instrumentos utilizados internacionalmente que avaliam diferentes componentes linguísticos em pacientes com LHE; no contexto nacional, porém, foram encontradas apenas duas baterias para avaliação dessa população, ficando evidente a necessidade da construção e/ou de adaptação de instrumentos para a população brasileira. Os componentes linguísticos mais investigados foram nomeação e compreensão oral, respectivamente. A avaliação da linguagem torna-se essencial nos quadros envolvendo o HE, pois déficits linguísticos podem acarretar prejuízos sociais, ocupacionais e familiares.

The theme of this study is the language assessment in patients with left brain damage (LBD). It is necessary as it helps to establish the diagnosis, prognosis and rehabilitation planning, adding findings to clinical observation, interview and tasks. The purpose is to identify which language instruments have been used to assess non-progressive neurological disorders involving the left hemisphere (LH) and to analyze which language components are the most assessed ones. It was possible to identify nine international instruments that assess different components of language in LBD patients. In the national context, however, only two batteries to assess this population were found, highlighting the need for construction and/or adaptation of language assessment tools for the Brazilian population. Naming and oral comprehension were the most examined linguistic components, respectively. The evaluation of language is essential in the neurological disorders that affect the LH, because language deficits can lead to an impaired social, occupational and family life.

Avaliação da prosódia emocional em adultos com lesão de hemisfério direito / Emotional prosody assessment in adults with right brain damage

Uma lesão de hemisfério direito pode gerar alterações comunicativas, comprometendo habilidades dos processamentos discursivo, pragmático-inferencial, léxico-semântico e prosódico (nos níveis compreensivo e expressivo). Uma das sequelas que vem sendo estudadas é a disprosódia. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre os instrumentos de avaliação para seu diagnóstico ainda é restrito. Este artigo visa a apresentar uma revisão sistemática sobre os instrumentos de avaliação da prosódia emocional em estudos de pessoas com lesão de hemisfério direito. Fez-se uma busca de resumos nas bases SciELO, LILACS e PubMed, com as palavras-chave "hemisfério", "direito", "prosódia" e "emocional". Encontraram-se 14 estudos apenas na base PubMed. A maioria utiliza tarefas experimentais, com pouca frequência de testes padronizados, sendo que seis investigações tiveram a participação de um mesmo pesquisador. Ressalta-se o caráter relativamente recente e incipiente dos estudos internacionais sobre a avaliação de déficits prosódicos após lesão cerebral direita, havendo uma importante lacuna nacional nessa área de diagnóstico neuropsicológico.

A right hemisphere brain damage can cause communicative impairments, compromising skills in discursive, pragmatic-inferential, lexical-semantic, and prosodic (at the comprehensive and expressive levels) processing. One of the sequelae which has been studied is dysprosody. However , the knowledge of the assessment instruments for its diagnosis is yet uncertain. The aim of this article is to present a systematic review on the emotional prosody assessment instruments in studies of people with right hemisphere brain damage. Abstracts were searched for in SciELO, Lilacs and PubMed databases, using the keywords "right", "hemisphere", "emotional" and "prosody". 14 studies were found only in Medline database. Most of them use experimental tasks, with standardized tests being less frequent, and six investigations were conducted by the same researcher. The relatively recent and incipient nature of the international studies on the assessment of prosodic deficits after right hemisphere brain damage must be highlighted, as well as an important national gap in this field of neuropsychological diagnosis.