Effects of Images on Word Training in Persons with Aphasia: An Exploratory Study

Objectives: Picture-naming tasks are widely used to assess language abilities in Persons with Aphasia (PWAs). However, the lack of standardized visual materials and the continued use of outdated assessment tools has resulted in significant variability in the use of images. Consequently, it is essential for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to carefully select effective and appropriate images for both assessment and intervention. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the influence of different image types—real images, black-andwhite line drawings, and graphical images—on word training in Kannada-speaking PWAs. Methods: Sixteen PWAs, aged between 35 to 59 years, participated in the study. The training was structured into four phases: pre-treatment, treatment, post-treatment, and followup phases. Each participant received training using all three image types across six individual sessions. Naming accuracy was measured at each phase to assess the effectiveness of the stimuli. Results: Findings indicated a significant improvement in naming accuracy from pre- to post-treatment phases (p<.05), demonstrating the efficacy of image-based training. Among the three image types, real photographs yielded the most robust and sustained effects, showing greater gains in both the post-treatment and follow-up assessments compared to line drawings and graphical images. Conclusion: The study highlights the critical role of image selection in aphasia rehabilitation. Real images were found to be more effective than other image types in facilitating naming accuracy, suggesting their preferential use in clinical practice. These findings offer preliminary evidence to inform clinical decision-making and support the development of standardized visual materials for therapeutic use with PWAs.