Effects of fatigue produced by isokinetic exercise on the communication ability of aphasic adults

The Porch Index of Communicative Ability (PICA) was administered to 16 aphasic adults following periods of isokinetic exercise and rest. Results support the previous clinical observation that fatigue, such as might be incurred in a typical physical therapy session, has an adverse effect upon aphasic patient's communication. Of the 16 subjects, 14 had lower overall PICA means following the exercise period, and overall group verbal, graphic, and PICA means were significantly lower when testing followed exercise than when testing followed rest.