Using implicit structural priming to help improve language skills in people with aphasia

Implicit Structural Priming as a Treatment Component in Aphasia

NIH-funded research Purdue University · NIH-11086024

This study is exploring a friendly way to help people with aphasia improve their language skills by using familiar sentence patterns to make it easier for them to express their thoughts and understand others.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPurdue University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (West Lafayette, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086024 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how implicit structural priming can be used as a treatment to enhance language recovery in individuals with aphasia. It focuses on improving the ability to map messages to sentence structures, which is often impaired in people with aphasia. The approach involves using previously experienced sentence structures to facilitate better language production and comprehension. By testing various conditions of structural priming, the research aims to identify effective methods that lead to lasting improvements in communication abilities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aphasia who are experiencing difficulties in language production and comprehension.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have aphasia or those with severe cognitive impairments that prevent participation in language tasks may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for individuals with aphasia, leading to significant improvements in their communication skills.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using structural priming for language recovery in aphasia, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

West Lafayette, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.