VR Speech-Language Therapy for Speech Disorders

Overseen By Mathieu Figeys, PhD, RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Disqualifiers: Severe cognitive, Neurological, Psychiatric, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 12 weeks

30 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores using virtual reality (VR) to make speech therapy more engaging and effective for people with speech disorders. By turning therapy into a game-like experience, the researchers aim to boost patient motivation and improve treatment results. Participants will either receive standard speech therapy alone or in combination with GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies. Adults already receiving speech therapy at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and who have a speech disorder might be a good fit for this trial.

As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to explore innovative therapy methods that could enhance the treatment experience.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this VR therapy is safe for speech disorders?

Research shows that GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies are designed to be safe and easy to use. In earlier studies, participants using these VR therapies reported no serious side effects, suggesting the treatment is generally safe for humans.

These therapies aim to make speech practice more engaging through virtual reality, which helps maintain patient interest and enhances the therapy experience. By making sessions enjoyable, VR may improve adherence to treatment plans compared to traditional methods. Although the VR approach is relatively new, studies so far indicate it is safe to try for speech issues. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies because they offer a unique approach to treating speech disorders. Unlike traditional speech therapy, which relies on in-person sessions with a speech-language pathologist, this treatment uses virtual reality to deliver therapy through a head-mounted device. This innovative delivery method allows for immersive vocal practice and therapy, potentially increasing engagement and effectiveness. By combining cutting-edge technology with standard clinical care, GlenXRose therapies aim to enhance treatment outcomes and provide patients with a more interactive and flexible therapy experience.

What evidence suggests that GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies are effective for speech disorders?

Studies have shown that GlenXRose Virtual Reality (VR) Speech Therapies can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, which is crucial for recovery. In this trial, some participants will receive GlenXRose VR therapies alongside standard clinical care. Research indicates that the VR approach transforms therapy into a game-like experience, making it fun and engaging. Early findings suggest that when patients enjoy therapy, they participate more frequently, leading to better outcomes. The immersive nature of VR can also maintain patient interest and motivation. Overall, VR therapies have shown promise in enhancing the effectiveness of speech therapy by increasing patient participation and duration. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Adriana Rios Rincon, PhD, R.OT

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

Antonio Miguel Cruz, DrSc

Principal Investigator

University of Alberta

James Raso, MASc

Principal Investigator

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Alberta Health Services

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for English-speaking adults with a speech disorder who are currently receiving speech-language therapy at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital. They must be able to consent to participate. It's not for those with substance use disorders, comprehension issues due to communication disorders, severe cognitive or behavioral impairments, or a history of neurological or psychiatric conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I am currently receiving speech-language therapy at Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.

Able to provide signed informed consent to participate in the study

Proficiency in English

Exclusion Criteria

You have had a neurological or psychiatric disorder in the past.

You have a problem with using drugs or alcohol.

You have trouble understanding and following spoken instructions and using the scales in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive GlenXRose VR-delivered speech-language therapies and standard clinical care

12 weeks

Weekly virtual and in-person sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• GlenXRose Virtual Reality Speech Therapies

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) GlenXRose Speech-Language Therapies in improving patient adherence and treatment outcomes compared to traditional methods. It aims to make rehabilitation engaging through gamification and assesses feasibility, clinician feedback, costs, and clinical results.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Virtual Reality Delivered Therapy + Standard Clinical Care Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The GlenXRose virtual reality therapies will be delivered to participants using a head-mounted device to allow vocal therapy and practice. Participants will also receive routine clinical care provided by speech-language pathologists.

Group II: Standard Clinical Care Active Control 1 Intervention

Participants will receive routine clinical care provided by speech-language pathologists.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials

957

Recruited

437,000+

Alberta Health services

Collaborator

Trials

168

Recruited

658,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and VR specialists believe that virtual reality (VR) could significantly enhance rehabilitation for cognitive-communication disorders (CCDs) following traumatic brain injury (TBI), providing a safe environment for practice.

While there is enthusiasm for VR applications in this area, participants highlighted the need to address potential barriers and risks before implementation, suggesting that careful planning is essential for successful integration into clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Speech-Language Pathologists' Views of Using Virtual Reality for Managing Cognitive-Communication Disorders Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Brassel, S., Brunner, M., Power, E., et al.[2023]

Participants aged 46-81 with acquired communication disorders found the immersive VR application (SIM:Kitchen) enjoyable and realistic, indicating its potential for enhancing communication rehabilitation.

The study identified that while the VR experience was positively received, improvements are needed in the VR hand controller technology to make movements more naturalistic and user-friendly.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rehabilitation Supported by Immersive Virtual Reality for Adults With Communication Disorders: Semistructured Interviews and Usability Survey Study. Vaezipour, A., Aldridge, D., Koenig, S., et al.[2023]

Health professionals and technology specialists emphasized the importance of co-designing virtual reality (VR) applications for communication rehabilitation, ensuring that the software meets the diverse needs of clients with communication disabilities.

Key design considerations for effective VR applications include creating realistic and immersive environments, understanding the necessary hardware, and recognizing that VR should complement, not replace, the role of health professionals in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Collaborative co-design and evaluation of an immersive virtual reality application prototype for communication rehabilitation (DISCOVR prototype). Bryant, L., Sedlarevic, N., Stubbs, P., et al.[2022]

A study involving 23 participants demonstrated that VR-assisted therapy significantly reduced public speaking anxiety after a three-hour session, showing effectiveness similar to previous trials.

The therapy worked by decreasing negative beliefs and distress related to public speaking, suggesting that VR can be a practical and effective tool for treating anxiety in routine care settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Virtual Reality exposure therapy for public speaking anxiety in routine care: a single-subject effectiveness trial. Lindner, P., Dagöö, J., Hamilton, W., et al.[2021]

A systematic review of 14 studies involving 229 participants found that virtual reality (VR) is primarily used to target language impairments in aphasia rehabilitation, achieving positive outcomes in this area.

Despite the potential of VR to enhance communication activity and overall well-being, most studies focus narrowly on language remediation, indicating a need for broader applications in rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The use of virtual reality in the rehabilitation of aphasia: a systematic review. Devane, N., Behn, N., Marshall, J., et al.[2023]

Virtual reality (VR) interventions showed a borderline significant reduction in the severity of language impairment in patients with post-stroke aphasia, based on a review of five studies involving 121 participants.

However, VR did not demonstrate a statistically significant impact on functional communication, word finding, or repetition compared to conventional rehabilitation methods, indicating that while VR may help with language severity, its overall effectiveness in communication skills needs further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of virtual reality in post-stroke aphasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Cao, Y., Huang, X., Zhang, B., et al.[2021]

The study involved 32 children with speech disorders, comparing the effectiveness of traditional speech therapy to a Virtual Reality Rehabilitation System (VRRS) intervention, which showed greater improvements in language skills for the VRRS group.

Children using VRRS demonstrated significant enhancements in various language components, such as word comprehension, naming, and sentence construction, indicating that VRRS can be a promising tool for speech rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Speech Intervention Implemented with a Virtual Reality System in Children with Developmental Language Disorders: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial. Cappadona, I., Ielo, A., La Fauci, M., et al.[2023]

A study involving 36 chronic aphasia patients showed that virtual reality (VR) therapy led to significant improvements in language tasks and psychological aspects like self-esteem and mood, compared to traditional therapy.

While both VR and conventional therapy groups showed no significant differences overall, the VR group demonstrated broader cognitive and emotional benefits, highlighting the potential of VR to enhance both language recovery and psychosocial well-being in aphasia rehabilitation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Conversational Therapy through Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for Language Recovery and Psychological Well-Being in Post Stroke Aphasia. Giachero, A., Calati, M., Pia, L., et al.[2021]

Emerging research indicates that non-immersive virtual reality (VR) can effectively enhance communication interventions for individuals with communication disabilities, showing positive outcomes and the potential for skills learned in VR to transfer to real-world situations.

While VR presents exciting opportunities for speech-language pathology, it also raises important ethical and safety concerns, such as cybersecurity and the risk of cybersickness, which must be addressed in future research.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A review of virtual reality technologies in the field of communication disability: implications for practice and research. Bryant, L., Brunner, M., Hemsley, B.[2021]

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05695131

Clinical Feasibility & Validation of the Virtual Reality ... The objective of these studies is to examine the feasibility of implementing the previously developed GlenXRose VR Speech Language therapies (VR-SLP) to routine ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-vocal-cord-dysfunction-3-2023-861df

VR Speech-Language Therapy for Speech Disorders Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) GlenXRose Speech-Language Therapies in improving patient adherence and treatment ...

3. clinicaltrial.be clinicaltrial.be/en/details/189278?per_page=20&recruiting=1&enrolling_by_invitation=1&active_not_recruiting=1&not_yet_recruiting=0&completed=0&only_recruiting=0&only_eligible=0

Clinical Feasibility & Validation of the Virtual Reality... The objective of these studies is to examine the feasibility of implementing the previously developed GlenXRose VR Speech Language therapies (VR ...

4. ctv.veeva.com ctv.veeva.com/study/clinical-feasibility-validation-of-the-virtual-reality-glenxrose-speech-language-therapies

Clinical Feasibility & Validation of the Virtual Reality ... The objective of these studies is to examine the feasibility of implementing the previously developed GlenXRose VR Speech Language therapies (VR ...

5. centerwatch.com centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/condition/329/speech-disorders

Speech Disorders Clinical Research Trials The objective of these studies is to examine the feasibility of implementing the previously developed GlenXRose VR Speech Language therapies (VR-SLP) to routine ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10453720/

Feasibility and Effectiveness of Speech Intervention ... To our knowledge, this is the first prospective pilot study to verify the feasibility and clinical effectiveness of speech therapy implemented by the VRRS ...