How the brain adapts speech movements
Behavioral and neural characteristics of adaptive speech motor control
Researchers are looking at ways to help children and adults improve and keep clearer speech by measuring and gently changing brain signals linked to speaking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248364 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You or your child would take part in listening and speaking exercises while researchers record how the brain and body control speech. The team uses behavioral training tasks that change the sounds you hear and measures how your speech adjusts over time. They will also use advanced neurophysiological tools to record and sometimes gently modulate subcortical brain activity to see if that helps learning stick. The work includes both children and adults and compares people who adapt well with those who do not.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children and adults with speech motor learning problems such as stuttering or childhood apraxia of speech, as well as healthy volunteers for comparison.
Not a fit: People whose speech problems are primarily structural (for example, due to an unrepaired cleft palate) or who cannot undergo the required brain recording/modulation procedures may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that help people—especially children with developmental speech disorders—learn and maintain clearer speech.
How similar studies have performed: Behavioral auditory-feedback training has previously improved speech in many studies, but combining that work with subcortical recording and targeted modulation is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Max, Ludo — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Max, Ludo
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.