Education and Human Sciences, College of
College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
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First Advisor
Judith Harvey
Committee Members
Steven M. Barlow, Yingying Wang
Date of this Version
4-2-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Citation
A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Science
Major: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Under the supervision of Professor Judith Harvey
Lincoln, Nebraska, April 2, 2026
Abstract
Chronic aphasia following a left middle cerebral artery (L-MCA) stroke is often associated with limited recovery beyond the acute phase, necessitating interventions that target neuroplastic mechanisms. This study examined the effects of somatosensory pneumotactile stimulation paired with cognitive-linguistic tasks on functional language performance in an individual with chronic aphasia. Using a single-subject pre-post design, the participant completed a 10-week intervention protocol involving repeated pneumotactile stimulation via the GALILEO system combined with language and motor tasks. Outcomes were assessed using standardized measures, discourse-based language samples, oral reading, repetition, and phonemic verbal fluency. Discourse was analyzed using Correct Information Units (CIUs), words per minute (WPM), and lexical diversity, with interrater reliability procedures applied.
Results demonstrated mixed outcomes. Improvements were most pronounced in personally relevant discourse tasks, with increased productivity, rate, and informativeness, while standardized measures showed variable change. Neuroimaging revealed structural reorganization within language-related pathways, including reconstruction of the left arcuate fasciculus; however, these changes were not consistently reflected in behavioral measures. Findings suggest that functional language recovery is context-dependent and may be underestimated by traditional assessments, underscoring the need for ecologically valid measures to capture meaningful change.
Advisor: Judith Harvey
Included in
Cardiovascular System Commons, Rehabilitation and Therapy Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons
Comments
Copyright 2026, Mandelin E. Wollesen. Used by permission