Improving speech recovery for people with aphasia after stroke
Speech Entrainment for Aphasia Recovery (SpARc)
This study is testing a new therapy called speech entrainment therapy (SET) to help people with non-fluent aphasia, which can happen after a stroke, by using a fun audio-visual tool on a laptop to improve their speaking and communication skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10690454 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapy called speech entrainment therapy (SET) designed to help individuals with non-fluent aphasia, a common language impairment following a stroke. Participants will engage with an audio-visual model on a laptop that guides their speech, aiming to improve their fluency and communication abilities. The study will assess the effectiveness of this therapy through a controlled clinical trial, measuring improvements in spontaneous speech and overall language use. By focusing on practical language skills, the research seeks to enhance the quality of life for those affected by aphasia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been diagnosed with non-fluent aphasia following a stroke and are experiencing challenges in speech production.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have aphasia or those with other forms of speech or language impairments unrelated to stroke may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve speech fluency and communication skills for patients with aphasia, leading to better social interactions and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that speech entrainment therapy may effectively improve speech fluency in individuals with non-fluent aphasia.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wilmskoetter, Janina — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Wilmskoetter, Janina
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.