Treatment effect of core vocabulary approach on speech intelligibility in children with speech sound disorder : a systematic review

Abstract

Purpose: Speech sound disorder (SSD) is a developmental phonological disorder that reduces overall speech intelligibility. SSDs may have a detrimental impact on daily communication. Core Vocabulary approach is a intervention used to target inconsistent SSDs. This study reviewed and appraised the literature regarding effect of Core Vocabulary approach on speech intelligibility in children with SSD. Method: A systematic search was conducted in 18 electronic databases using appropriate search terms. The search resulted in eight articles; however, only six of the articles met all inclusion criteria. The methodological quality and evidence level of the six included studies were evaluated with the Critical Appraisal of Treatment Evidence (CATE) (Dollaghan, 2007). Result: The level of evidence of the reviewed studies was low. Results suggested clinically significant treatment effect of Core Vocabulary approach marked by positive intervention outcome in all of the included studies. However, statistical analysis of treatment results was absent in five out of the six included studies. Small sample size and the lack of blinding of therapists also led to low evidence level of Core Vocabulary approach. Conclusion: Future research should be conducted with focus on area of Core Vocabulary approach should be carried out by conducting more single-subject experimental designs (SSED) with blinding and comprehensive statistical analysis.