Comparing rhythm perception in children who stutter and those who don't

Subcortical Network Connectivity and Temporal Processing in Children With Persistent and Recovered Stuttering

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT05286151

This study tests how children who stutter perceive and produce rhythm compared to those who don’t, using fun tasks and brain scans to learn more about stuttering.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages9 Years to 13 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT05286151 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the differences in rhythm perception and production between children who stutter and those who do not. Over a period of three years, participants will engage in rhythm discrimination and finger tapping tasks annually. Additionally, the study will incorporate MRI scans to investigate the relationship between rhythm performance and brain activity. The goal is to better understand the neurological underpinnings of stuttering through these assessments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 5-18 who have a current or past diagnosis of stuttering, as well as healthy children who do not stutter.

Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric conditions, major medical illnesses, or significant hearing loss may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic approaches for children who stutter by enhancing our understanding of their rhythm processing abilities.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study is novel, previous research has indicated a connection between rhythm processing and speech disorders, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria Children who stutter:

* English as primary language
* Current or past stuttering diagnosis

Inclusion Criteria Children who do not stutter:

* English as primary language

Exclusion Criteria Children who stutter:

* Diagnosed/under treatment for any neurological or psychiatric conditions
* Head trauma with loss of consciousness
* Major medical illness
* Hearing loss- Language/motor delay (below -2 standard deviations on standardized assessments)
* Face, motor, or reflex abnormalities

Exclusion Criteria Children who do not stutter:

* Personal or family history of stuttering
* Diagnosed/under treatment for any neurological or psychiatric conditions
* Head trauma with loss of consciousness
* Major medical illness
* Hearing loss
* Language/motor delay (below -2 standard deviations on standardized assessments
* Face, motor, or reflex abnormalities

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stuttering, ChildhoodStutteringRhythmTemporal processingHealthy childrenSpeech disordersTiming
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.