Understanding Speech Patterns in Dysarthria

A taxonomic articulation-focused approach to dysarthria classification

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11158587

This project aims to better understand the specific speech difficulties experienced by people with dysarthria, including those with conditions like ALS.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11158587 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Many people with dysarthria find it hard to speak clearly, and current treatments for these speech difficulties are challenging because we don't fully understand the specific patterns of articulation problems. While some treatments focus on general clear speech, this project recognizes that different underlying issues can lead to similar speech problems. We are developing a new, data-driven way to group dysarthria types based on detailed speech patterns, rather than just the neurological condition. This will help us identify the unique ways individuals move their mouths and tongues when speaking.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies would be individuals diagnosed with dysarthria, including those with conditions such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).

Not a fit: Patients without dysarthria or those whose speech difficulties stem from causes other than articulation impairments may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more personalized and effective speech therapies tailored to the specific articulation challenges of each patient with dysarthria.

How similar studies have performed: This project proposes a novel, data-driven approach to dysarthria classification, moving beyond existing systems, so it represents a new direction in understanding these speech impairments.

Where this research is happening

NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Motor Neuron Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.