The SIPARI® treatment is a specifically targeted music- supported training for patients suffering from neurological speech and language disorders e.g. aphasia, apraxia of speech, dysarthria. Treatment objectives include improving linguistic, motor, and cognitive functions and thereby supporting speech- motor processes and also planning and sequencing performance constituting the basis for language-systematic processes. Since specifically targeted therapy interventions require well-grounded diagnostics, a SIPARI® diagnostic is the starting point. Adjusted to the specific needs of each patient, an impairment-related use of the human voice forms the basis of this therapy. Rhythmic-melodic voice training i.e. a specifically structured program, which stepwise varies vocalization, melodic and rhythmic components in combination with sounds, syllables, words, and phrases represents the main part of the therapy. Additionally, rhythmic cognition trainings (instrumental and/or vocal) serve to encourage planning and sequencing performance while social interaction is supported by means of musical communication trainings on instruments that do not require any previous musical education. The efficacy of this training method was proven in several studies with patients suffering from chronic Broca’s and Global aphasia (see international publications). Current research results, which were assessed by cognitive and neural methods of examination (fMRI), demonstrate that even patients suffering from chronic Global aphasia and concomitant apraxia of speech also benefit remarkably from this treatment ( see Neural Plasticity , Cortex ). In all of these studies, assessments were performed by a standardized and psychometrically verified language procedure (Aachener Aphasie Test).

Evidence-based music-supported therapy for chronic aphasia patients Dr. Monika Jungblut has developed the SIPARI® method, which was first tested in cooperation with the Medical Faculty of the University of Witten-Hedecke. In a controlled group-study, patients suffering from severe, chronic aphasia, who were treated according to the SIPARI®-method, could significantly improve their speech performance (assessed by a standardized language test, the Aachener Aphasie Test). It is important to emphasize that these improvements were achieved also by patients who had suffered from aphasia for over 11 years! In 2010 this study was included in the Cochrane Review “Music therapy for acquired brain injury” ( download ) in the category “communication” as the only evidence-based method. ( 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.) In line with current research from the field of speech and language rehabilitation, SIPARI® is also offered as intensive training (2 or 3 sessions per day over a period of two weeks). Within the last ten years outstanding improvements have been achieved by these intensive trainings in the Interdisciplinary Institute for Music- and Speech-Therapy in Germany. Dr. Jungblut conducts training courses for therapists in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. For further information concerning her current research, see research.