Abstract: Objective To investigate the effect of attention training on cortical activation area and lateralization index in interference effect of dual-task paradigm as the poststroke nonfluent aphasiacs processing the Chinese character tasks. Methods 20 cases with nonfluent aphasia after stroke were divided into the training group and the control group, who accepted attention training and cognitive training respectively, 30 min a time, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. They were investigated the cortical activation area and lateralization index caused by interference effect of dual-task paradigm under block design. Results The right inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral parietal and cerebellar cortex were activated before training in both groups, and more activated after attention training, but no change after cognitive training. Lateralization index suggested that the right brain was more activated before training, while the left side was activated after attention training, but no change after cognitive training. Conclusion The right inferior frontal gyrus, bilateral parietal and cerebellar cortex are very important in solving the dual task interference in the attention stage, and they are activated after attention training. It indicates that attention training makes a significant functional reorganization on Chinese character processing in poststroke nonfluent aphasiacs.

Key words: attention training, dual-task paradigm, interference effect, cortical activation area, lateralization index