Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Explore Potential Treatments to Reduce Speech Errors in Adults Who Stutter

Part of paid clinical trials in Richardson, Texas.

Sponsor
The University of Texas at Dallas
Study ID
NCT07354139
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Fluency Disorder
  • Stuttering

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
22 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • High - Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation — DEVICE
    HD-tDCS protocol for LIFG group is as follows: A single 20-minute session with one anode at F7 at 1 mA and four 0.25 mA cathodes at T7, FP1, AF3, FC5 at 0.25 mA HD-tDCS protocol for the Pre-SMA group is as follows: A single 20-minute session with one anode 1mA at Fz 1 mA and four 0.25 mA cathodes at FP1, FP2, F7, F8

Study Details

The goal of this study is to find out whether a type of noninvasive brain stimulation can help reduce speech errors, such as repetitions, blocks, and prolongations, in people who stutter. This pilot study will help researchers design future treatments to see if targeting certain brain areas can improve speech fluency. The study will look at how people speak and behave during both speaking and non-speaking tasks before and after the brain stimulation. Participants will complete an online survey about 24 hours before coming to the clinic. The clinic visit will last about 3 hours and will include three phases. All parts of the study will be audio-recorded. 1. Pre-Testing: Participants will first complete a stuttering evaluation to determine whether they are typical speakers or have a mild, moderate, or severe stutter. Then, they will do several speaking and non-speaking tasks. 2. Brain Stimulation: Participants will receive a session of targeted noninvasive brain stimulation (HD-tDCS). 3. Post-Testing: After the brain stimulation, participants will repeat the same evaluation and tasks they completed during pre-testing. Brain stimulation description: HD-tDCS is a non-invasive technique that requires the placement of several sensors (metal electrodes) on a special cap and saline gel on your head. Very low levels of constant electrical current are delivered to specifically targeted areas of the brain via these electrodes. You may experience a slight feeling of dizziness when starting the stimulation. This occurs in a small number of subjects. This takes only a few seconds and does not affect balance after the stimulation has been completed. Several research centers have previously investigated the use of this device on healthy subjects and have found the device to be safe with no direct effect on the person's well-being. Following stimulation, participants will have the opportunity to rinse out residual gel from hair and scalp.

Key Dates

Start date
Mar 17, 2026
Status verified
Apr 2026
Primary completion
Aug 30, 2026
Completion
Sep 30, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
50 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Left Inferior Frontal Gyrus
    This arm is designed to analyze if treatment on the speech production area of the brain (also known as Broca's area) will decrease speech errors and increase ease of production in people who stutter
  • Experimental: Presupplementary motor area
    This arm is designed to investigate whether treatment targeting the motor planning region of the brain can reduce speech errors and increase ease of production in individuals who stutter.

Primary Outcome Measure

Stuttering Severity Instrument - 4 [ Time Frame: Measured at singular clinical visit (baseline) ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Callier Clinical Research CenterRichardsonTexas75080
Christine H Abasi, MS-SLP
[email protected]
817-718-7301

Find similar trials in Richardson, TX

By research site
Callier Clinical Research Center· Richardson, TX

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