Research

Independent studies in which Parrot Software was the intervention

Our approach to evidence

Parrot Software was designed by speech-language pathologists to mirror what clinicians do when treating aphasia and brain injury — what researchers call content validity. Beyond that design rationale, independent researchers have studied the software directly.

Below is every study we are aware of in which Parrot Software was the intervention, presented with its actual design, sample size, and findings — including the small samples and the mixed results. Two independent universities have published research using our programs: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and Dominican University of California.

These are small studies. None of them establishes that Parrot Software works for everyone, and none replaces assessment and treatment by a qualified speech-language pathologist. We present them so clinicians and families can judge the evidence themselves.

Peer-reviewed journal article

Computer-Assisted Anomia Treatment for Persons with Chronic Aphasia: Generalization to Untrained Words

Melinda Corwin, Meredith Wells, Rajinder Koul, James Dembowski

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock; Houston Aphasia Recovery Center

Journal of Medical Speech-Language Pathology, 2014; 21(2): 149–163

Method
Six adults with chronic aphasia completed an intensive 32-hour protocol over four weeks using eight Parrot Software programs.
Findings
Statistically significant (p < .05) improvement in confrontation naming of words that were never trained. Message informativeness during oral discourse increased for four of the six participants. Participants reported the treatment goals and procedures were acceptable.
Limitations
Six participants, no parallel control group. The authors describe it as a potential cost-effective supplement to traditional speech-language therapy, not a replacement.
Independence
The authors state: “The authors purchased the software programs used in this study and have no financial agreements with Parrot Software.”
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Peer-reviewed journal article

Computer-Based Cognitive Retraining for Adults with Chronic Acquired Brain Injury: A Pilot Study

Kitsum Li, Julie Robertson, Joshua Ramos, Stephanie Gella

Department of Occupational Therapy, Dominican University of California, San Rafael

Occupational Therapy In Health Care, 2013; 27(4): 333–344. doi:10.3109/07380577.2013.844877

Method
Twelve adults with chronic acquired brain injury and documented memory and attention deficits, using a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design.
Findings
Significant improvement in both memory and attention scores following the intervention, as measured by a cognitive screening tool.
Limitations
Twelve participants, single group, no control condition. The authors recommend further research with a larger population and investigation of whether gains transfer to daily living skills.
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Master's thesis

Effectiveness of the Bridge/Adapt Program on Functional Skill Generalization After Acquired Brain Injury

Janice S. Li, Diana Lopez, Eugene Cheung, Angela Talamantez

Master of Occupational Therapy, Dominican University of California, 2016

Master's Theses and Capstone Projects, Paper 195. scholar.dominican.edu/masters-theses/195

Method
Three participants with significant cognitive impairment completed the eight-week Bridge/Adapt program, in which Parrot Software served as the remedial computer-based component alongside compensatory strategy training.
Findings
One of the three participants demonstrated generalization from improved cognition to functional performance on the medication box assessment.
Limitations
Three participants, and the study evaluates the combined Bridge/Adapt program rather than Parrot Software in isolation. The authors recommend re-evaluating both the modules and the outcome measure.
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Industry case report — not independent

Cognitive efficiency during cognitive training with auditory neurofeedback: a single-subject analysis

Javier Cano Ocampo, Scientific Director, Mind Training, LLC

Mind Training, LLC — produced in collaboration with Parrot Software and other commercial partners

Company white paper

Method
A single 42-year-old participant completed nine 15-minute sessions with EEG, skin conductance, and peripheral temperature monitoring, using Parrot Software cognitive programs.
Findings
The subject’s cognitive performance improved by 75% and cognitive recovery time fell by 37% between sessions four and nine.
Limitations
One participant, no control condition, and Parrot Software is a named collaborator. This is a commercial case report, not independent academic research, and should be read as illustrative rather than evidential.
Read the full text (PDF) →

Questions about the research

If you are a clinician or researcher and would like to discuss this work, or you are conducting a study using Parrot Software, contact us at support@parrotsoftware.com or 800-727-7681.