Brain Stimulation for Speech Learning
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
The overall goal of this research is to test a new model of speech motor learning, whose central hypothesis is that learning and retention are associated with plasticity not only in motor areas of the brain but in auditory and somatosensory regions as well. The strategy for the proposed research is to identify individual brain areas that contribute causally to retention by disrupting their activity with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Investigators will also use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) which will enable identification of circuit-level activity which predicts either learning or retention of new movements, and hence test the specific contributions of candidate sensory and motor zones. In other studies, investigators will record sensory and motor evoked potentials over the course of learning to determine the temporal order in which individual sensory and cortical motor regions contribute. The goal here is to identify brain areas in which learning-related plasticity occurs first and which among these areas predict subsequent learning.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial excludes participants who are taking psychoactive medications, so you would need to stop taking those to participate. For other medications, the protocol does not specify.
Is theta burst stimulation (TBS) safe for humans?
Theta burst stimulation (TBS), including continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS), is generally considered safe for humans, with most adverse events being mild and occurring in about 5% of subjects. However, there is a theoretical risk of seizures, so it should be used with caution, and more studies are needed to fully understand the safety, especially regarding seizure risk.12345
How is the treatment continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) unique for speech learning?
Continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) is unique because it uses a non-invasive technique called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to temporarily alter brain activity, potentially enhancing or suppressing certain brain functions. Unlike other treatments, cTBS can create 'virtual lesions' in specific brain areas, which may help researchers understand and improve speech learning by observing changes in brain activity and performance.12678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Adaptation, continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS), continuous theta-burst stimulation, cTBS for speech learning?
Research Team
David Ostry
Principal Investigator
Yale University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for right-handed, fluent English speakers with normal hearing and no speech disorders or reading disabilities. It's not suitable for individuals with a cardiac pacemaker, cochlear implant, tinnitus, metal implants in the brain or body, history of epilepsy or severe head injuries, those who are pregnant or on psychoactive medications.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants perform learning tasks with altered or unaltered auditory feedback, followed by cTBS to specific brain regions. This is repeated on day 2.
Retention Assessment
Participants return 24 hours after treatment to assess retention of learning.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Adaptation
- continuous theta-burst stimulation (cTBS)
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Yale University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator