A preliminary examination of regressive eye movements to content and function words when people with aphasia and neurotypical adults read narratives

Background & AimsEye-tracking technology provides a mechanism to explore regressive fixation behaviors to words constituting specific categories (i.e., content and function words) when people with aphasia (PWA) and neurotypical adults (NA) read multi-sentence narratives. Examining regressive eye movements to words comprising different categories allows for further discernment of intact and altered fixation behaviors that may contribute to the future development of interventions and supports.MethodsEight PWA and eight NAs read paragraph-length narratives while having eye movements tracked. Analyzed variables were the average log-transformed regression rate per content and function word; average duration of regressions to content and function words; and, among content words, average log-transformed regression rate per noun, verb, and modifier.ResultsBoth participant groups exhibited significantly higher average regression rates per content than function word. PWA exhibited longer average fixation durations to content than function words, while NA exhibited no word type difference. PWA exhibited individual differences in regression rates to nouns, verbs, and modifiers, even though no significant differences occurred per content word type. Among NAs, only the mean regression rate between nouns and modifiers differed significantly.ConclusionsBoth PWA and NAs exhibit more frequent relative regressions to content than function words. This suggests that PWA retain awareness of the value of content words for conveying meaning. Distinct regression rates per type of content word suggest that some PWA may experience greater difficulty comprehending specific content word subtypes. Further individualized assessment using eye-tracking technology will advance understanding about reading comprehension strengths and challenges among PWA.