Table 2.

Assessments for primary, secondary and safety outcome data collection

Variable	Measure
Primary outcome
Naming ability	Change in Boston Naming Test (BNT) score from baseline (visit 2) to postintervention (visit 4, after 3 weeks of iSLT). The BNT scale is a performance-based measure commonly used to assess the visual confrontation naming ability among adults with aphasia. Participants are shown pictures of common objects and asked to name each stimulus item within 20 s. The score rang is 0–60; higher scores mean better outcomes in naming ability.
Secondary outcome
Aphasia quotient	Change in Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) score compared with baseline. The WAB scale is a weighted average of all subtest scores relating to spoken language. It consists of the sum of all subtest scores from the first four parts of the WAB (spontaneous speech, auditory verbal comprehension, repetition, and naming and word finding), recording the total average score and SD. The score range is 0–100; higher scores indicate better performance.
Daily communication	Change in the Communication Activities of Daily Living-Third Edition (CADL-3) compared with baseline. The CADL-3 scale contains 50 items assessing the functional communication skills of adults with neurogenic communication disorders in seven areas. The participants receive a score of 0, 1 or 2 for each item; higher scores reflect better communicative success.
Speech language function assessment	Change in International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) speech language function assessment compared with baseline. The aphasia-adapted ICF speech language function assessment will be used for self-evaluation of communication functions, participation and activity. The score rand is −2 to +2; higher scores mean better outcome in quality of life.
Activities of daily living	Change in Barthel Index score compared with baseline.
Poststroke depression assessment	Change in Stroke Aphasic Depression Questionnaire-hospital version compared with baseline.
Surgical safety outcomes
Muscle strength	Change in Medical Research Council grading system score compared with baseline.
Spasticity	Change in the Modified Ashworth Scale score compared with baseline.
Range of motion	Change in range of motion of the main joints of the upper limbs score compared with baseline.
Sensory function assessment	Change in the tactile sensory threshold and 2-point discrimination score compared with baseline.

iSLT, intensive speech and language therapy.