Speech Sequencing Therapies for Stuttering
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to better understand how the brain plans and produces speech, focusing on individuals who stutter or have speech disorders like primary progressive aphasia. Researchers will use brain imaging and non-invasive techniques, such as Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), to compare speech effects in these groups with those having typical speech patterns. Participants will learn new word sounds and sequences to test how the brain processes speech. The trial seeks native English speakers with either persistent stuttering, typical speech, or primary progressive aphasia. As an unphased study, this trial offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research in speech disorders.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
If you have primary progressive aphasia (PPA), you cannot participate if you are taking medications that affect speech or language. For others, the protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these speech sequencing therapies are safe?
Research has shown that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is generally safe. Studies indicate that people tolerate tDCS well, with only minor side effects such as slight skin irritation or mild tingling at the electrode sites. Serious side effects are rare.
For learning new speech sounds and unfamiliar words, the emphasis is on practice and learning. No evidence suggests major safety concerns with these activities. Practicing new speech patterns is considered safe. Overall, researchers have used the treatments in this study in other research, demonstrating good safety records.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Speech Sequencing Therapies for Stuttering trial because it explores innovative ways to improve speech fluency using combinations of novel sounds and advanced brain stimulation techniques. Unlike traditional speech therapy, which typically involves practicing speech patterns, this trial delves into learning non-native phoneme combinations and novel multisyllabic nonwords. It also uses transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to potentially enhance learning by targeting specific brain areas involved in speech. Additionally, by employing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the trial aims to understand the brain activity associated with these new learning methods. This approach could pave the way for more effective and tailored treatments for stuttering and related speech disorders.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stuttering?
Research shows that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with specific speech exercises can help adults who stutter speak more fluently. In this trial, some participants will receive anodal tDCS, while others will receive sham tDCS as a control. Studies have found that tDCS can noticeably reduce the frequency and severity of stuttering.
Research has shown that people can learn new sounds in a language with practice, even if they are initially difficult to distinguish. This trial includes arms where participants will engage in learning non-native phoneme combinations, which may improve speech organization in people who stutter.
For learning new, made-up words with many syllables, studies have found that people who stutter might struggle to repeat these words accurately. This trial will test multisyllabic learning in both children and adults, suggesting that focused practice might improve their ability to manage these speech patterns.16789Who Is on the Research Team?
Frank H Guenther, PhD
Principal Investigator
Boston University
Soo-Eun Chang, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of Michigan
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for native American English speakers with limited second language exposure. It includes children who pass a hearing test, adults without neurological issues (except stuttering), and those diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia by MGH-FTD. Excluded are individuals with contraindications to MRI or tDCS, certain medication use in PPA patients, severe cognitive impairment, and outside the age range for child participants.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Training
Participants undergo training sessions to learn novel speech sequences using various methods such as tDCS and fMRI
Intervention
Functional MRI and other assessments are conducted to measure brain activity and speech performance
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in speech performance and brain activity post-intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Anodal tDCS
- Learning of non-native phoneme combinations: 1 training session
- Learning of non-native phoneme combinations: 6 training sessions
- Learning of non-native phoneme combinations: 8 training sessions
- Learning of novel multisyllabic nonwords
- Sham tDCS
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Boston University Charles River Campus
Lead Sponsor
University of Michigan
Collaborator
Massachusetts General Hospital
Collaborator
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator