Using Motor Imagery to Improve Speech After Stroke

Motor Imagery for Treatment Enhancement and Efficacy (MI-TEE) in Persons with Apraxia of Speech

NIH-funded research University of Central Florida · NIH-11131290

This project explores a new computer-based home practice program to help people with speech difficulties after a stroke speak more clearly.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Central Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Orlando, United States)
Project IDNIH-11131290 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people who have trouble speaking after a stroke, a condition called apraxia of speech, need a lot of practice with a speech therapist, which can be expensive and hard to access. We are developing a new computer program called MI-TEE that uses motor imagery, where you imagine performing movements, to supplement regular speech therapy. This program is designed for home use to give you more opportunities to practice and potentially improve your speech more effectively. We want to see if this home practice program is easy to use and helpful when combined with your usual speech therapy.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing apraxia of speech following a stroke who are seeking additional ways to improve their speech production.

Not a fit: Patients whose speech difficulties are not due to post-stroke apraxia of speech may not find this specific intervention beneficial.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could offer a cost-effective way for patients to practice speech at home, potentially leading to better and more lasting improvements in their ability to speak.

How similar studies have performed: While motor imagery has shown promise in other areas of rehabilitation, its specific application as a home-based adjunct for apraxia of speech is being explored in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Orlando, 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 2026-06-13 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.