Community choir singing for people with chronic post-stroke aphasia
Official title: Effect of Community Choir Singing in People With Chronic Post-stroke Aphasia
Run by University of Ottawa · NCT06368323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if a 12-week choir singing program can help people with long-term speech difficulties after a stroke communicate better and feel more connected compared to regular care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Ottawa Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Tampa, Florida and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06368323 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals with chronic aphasia following a stroke who are fluent in English or French and have not engaged in regular music-making in the past six months.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant visual or hearing deficits, neurological or psychiatric co-morbidities, or those unable to produce vocal sounds will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of a 12-week choir singing program on individuals with chronic post-stroke aphasia compared to usual care. Participants will engage in weekly in-person choir sessions and home singing training, aiming to improve their functional communication, language recovery, and psychosocial outcomes. The study employs a randomized controlled design, with participants stratified by aphasia severity, age, time since stroke, and interest in music. Data will be collected at multiple time points to assess the impact of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance communication abilities and overall quality of life for patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of choir singing for aphasia is novel, similar interventions in music therapy have shown promising results in enhancing communication skills.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * People with chronic aphasia following stroke * English or French as language of daily use * Last stroke must have occurred at least 6 months before the start of the first assessments in the study protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Regular music making in the past 6 months * Visual deficit that cannot be corrected and might impair testing * Hearing deficit that cannot be corrected and might impair testing * Presence of neurological/psychiatric co-morbidity or substance abuse * No ability to produce vocal sound through singing/humming * Legally considered unable to make decisions for oneself
Where it's running
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Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting -
University of South Florida
Tampa, Florida, United States Not yet recruiting -
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Completed -
Université de Montréal
Montreal, Quebec, Canada Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna Zumbansen, PhD — University of Ottawa
- Study coordinator: Anna Zumbansen, PhD
- Email: azumbans@uottawa.ca
- Phone: 613-562-5800
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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This study tests whether a 20-minute anodal tDCS session paired with speech therapy can be integrated into routine inpatient and outpatient rehab for people who recently had a stroke and now have aphasia.
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New tools to measure language, gestures, and everyday communication in people with aphasia
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.