SIPARI^®

SIPARI® is a directed music-supported treatment approach developed to improve language and speech capabilities of patients suffering from chronic aphasia. This method is made up specifically of Singing, Intonation, Prosody, breathing (German: Atmung), Rhythm, and Improvisation as essential elements.

SIPARI® was developed by Dr. Jungblut and has been tried and tested in cooperation with the Medical Faculty of of the University of Witten-Herdecke, Germany.

In a randomized controlled group study with patients suffering from chronic non-fluent aphasia (mean duration of aphasia: 11 years) significant improvements of 75% of all patients were assessed by a standardized language procedure, the Aachener Aphasie Test (AAT).

Meanwhile further single case studies substantiate the extraordinary efficacy of SIPARI® in the treatment of severely impaired chronic aphasia patients and also patients who additionally suffer from apraxia of speech.

Since 2010 SIPARI® is listed in the Cochrane Review “Music therapy for acquired brain injury” in the category “communication” as the only evidence-based method. ref.: Bradt J, Magee WL, Dileo C, Wheeler BL, McGilloway E. Music therapy for acquired brain injury. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 7. Art. No.: CD006787. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD006787.pub2.

On January 24, 2011, the World Health Organization (WHO) awarded The Cochrane Collaboration a seat on the World Health Assembly allowing the Collaboration to provide input on WHO health resolutions. The Cochrane Collaboration was accepted as a Non Governmental Organization in Official Relations with the WHO at the WHO’s Executive Board meeting, establishing a partnership with formalized communication between the two organizations.

Music and language consist of melodic and rhythmic elements, although these basic components are differently emphasized. Undoubtedly the human voice represents the most direct connection between music and language. Starting from singing towards intonation up to prosody the human voice takes over a bridging function which combines rhythmic and melodic components in a unique manner because transitions can be produced step by step. Therefore, the impairment-related use of the human voice represents the starting point of the SIPARI® method. Apart from the voice further instruments are used. Rhythmic cognition trainings which are performed on instruments, vocally or in combination serve to encourage planning and sequencing performance. Another basic component of this method constitutes joint instrument playing on instruments which can be used without any musical experience. These communication trainings support social interaction but also promote cognitive functions (e.g. attention, working memory).

Treatment objectives using SIPARI® include improving linguistic, motor, and cognitive functions and thereby supporting speech-motor processes and those speech-systematic processes that encourage planning and sequencing performance.

The SIPARI® treatment is offered as group and individual therapy.

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© 2011, Dr. Jungblut