Measuring brain activity related to language in stroke survivors using a new method.
Official title: Concurrent Validity, Test-Retest Reliability, and Sensitivity to Change of Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Measuring Language-Related Brain Activity in Post-Stroke Aphasia
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10938022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, easier way to measure brain activity related to language in stroke survivors with aphasia, using a method called fNIRS, to see if it can help track improvements after language therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5IK2RX004252-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10938022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are currently dealing with aphasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have aphasia or have not experienced a stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity associated with language in individuals who have experienced post-stroke aphasia. Unlike traditional fMRI, fNIRS is less restrictive, can be performed in a standard clinic setting, and is suitable for patients with certain medical devices. The study aims to validate fNIRS by comparing its results with fMRI, assessing its reliability over time, and determining its ability to detect changes in brain function following language therapy. This approach could provide a more accessible way to study and treat language disorders in stroke survivors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved assessment and treatment options for individuals with aphasia, enhancing their recovery and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While fNIRS has been used in other contexts, its application in studying aphasia is relatively novel and has not been extensively validated.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Jeffrey P — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Jeffrey P
Related research
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This research follows people with aphasia after stroke to find brain and behavior signs that predict who will regain speech and language.
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.