RecruitingInterventional

Emotional and language recovery in aphasia (ELLA)

The ELLA study is testing a new way to help people who have aphasia, a language difficulty, after a stroke. Aphasia can make it hard to speak, understand, read, and write, and can also lead to feelings of sadness or worry. This new therapy combines language support with help for emotional well-being and confidence. We've had promising results in our university clinic, and now we want to see if this therapy can be successfully used in NHS settings. The study will involve training NHS staff and then comparing the new therapy with standard care for people with aphasia. We hope this will lead to better support for people recovering from stroke.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

East London NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

05 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Stroke

What is this study about?

When someone has a stroke, it can sometimes affect their ability to use language. This is called aphasia, and it can make everyday tasks like talking, understanding others, reading, and writing very difficult. It's not just about language; many people with aphasia also feel down, anxious, or isolated because of these changes. They often find it hard to get the right support for their feelings because of their language difficulties, and the language therapy they receive might not be enough.

The ELLA study aims to address these challenges. We've developed a new therapy that focuses on both improving language skills and helping people feel more confident and emotionally well. We created this therapy by working closely with people who have aphasia, their families, and expert speech and language therapists. We've already tried it with a small group at our university clinic, and the results were very encouraging. People felt more confident in different situations and achieved personal goals, like being able to order food in a cafe. They also really liked that it helped with both their language and their emotional well-being at the same time.

Now, we want to explore if this new therapy can be brought into NHS clinics across the country. The study will happen in two parts: first, we'll create the best training materials and support for NHS therapists to learn how to deliver this new treatment. Then, we'll compare the new therapy to the usual care provided in the NHS, to see how well it works on a larger scale. We'll be looking at how people's language, confidence, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life change.

Key takeaways

Targets language recovery and emotional well-being after stroke.
Compares a new combined therapy with standard NHS care.
Aims to improve speaking, understanding, confidence, and mood.
No medical risks; main commitment is time for sessions and assessments.
Could help many other people with aphasia in the future.

Who may be eligible?

The ELLA study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who have aphasia because they've had a stroke. You would need to be living in the community and be able to understand and agree to take part in the study. We also need to make sure you can attend therapy sessions and assessments.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have severe sight or hearing problems that can't be corrected, or if you had dementia or another serious illness before the stroke. Also, if you didn't speak English fluently before your stroke, or if you have a serious mental health condition that would stop you from taking part in the therapy, this study might not be suitable. You also can't be in another language or mental health research study at the same time.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have language difficulties (aphasia) because of a stroke?
Are you living at home (in the community)?
Can you understand and agree to take part in a study?
Do you speak English fluently before your stroke?
Are you able to attend therapy sessions (at least two a week)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in the ELLA study, there are two main phases. In the first phase, we'll be getting things ready, like creating training for NHS staff. In the second phase, 42 people with aphasia will be split into two groups. Half of the participants will receive the new ELLA therapy, and the other half will receive the usual care from the NHS.

The new therapy involves up to 23 sessions over 7 to 12 weeks. Some of these sessions will be led by experienced Speech and Language Therapists, while others might be with students or assistants who will be carefully supported. Throughout the study, we will meet with you to assess your language, confidence, quality of life, and emotional well-being. We'll do these assessments when you start, and then again 3 months and 6 months later. We'll also ask you, your family, and the therapists about your experiences in the study.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no medical risks or dangers involved in taking part in this study. You will still receive your normal NHS care throughout. The main thing you'll be giving is your time for the therapy sessions and assessments. You might find it interesting to talk about your stroke and life during the research visits, and your participation could help improve care for other people with aphasia in the future. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (7)

East London NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
London, United Kingdom
Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
Teddington, United Kingdom
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
Barts Health NHS Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
City only
London, United Kingdom
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
London, United Kingdom
Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Dartford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is aphasia?

Aphasia is a language difficulty that can happen after a stroke, making it hard to speak, understand, read, and write.

What is this new therapy trying to do?

It aims to improve language skills, boost confidence, and help with emotional well-being for people with aphasia after a stroke.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you are in the therapy part of the study, you'll have up to 23 sessions over 7 to 12 weeks, plus assessments at the start, 3 months, and 6 months.

Will I still get my usual NHS care?

Yes, you will continue to receive your normal NHS care during the study.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Sarah Northcott

sarah.northcott@city.ac.uk +44 20 7 040 3186 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.