Delta-frequency alternating-current brain stimulation paired with choral reading for stuttering
Improving Neural Oscillation and Synchrony Between Motor and Auditory Regions in Stuttering Using Personalized Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)
NA · University of Michigan · NCT06740968
This project will try mild, noninvasive alternating-current brain stimulation (tACS) paired with choral reading to see if it reduces stuttering in English-speaking children and adults who currently stutter.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06740968 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants undergo screening, speech and hearing tests, MRI and EEG, then complete three in-person sessions that include either active or sham delta-tuned sensorimotor tACS paired with choral reading and a one-month remote follow-up. The team hypothesizes that delta-frequency tACS will strengthen communication between speech-related brain regions involved in motor initiation and auditory-motor integration, leading to decreased stuttering. The protocol includes baseline behavioral and neuroimaging measures to compare speaking fluency and brain activity before and after stimulation. An embedded pilot phase will refine practical aspects of the protocol but is not part of the registered outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking children or adults who currently stutter, have normal language/hearing/cognition, meet the study's SSI-4 severity criteria, and have not received stuttering treatment in the past year.
Not a fit: People with a history of seizures, major neurological illness or head injury, metal or electronic implants, pregnancy, or hair styles preventing scalp access are not eligible and likely would not benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a noninvasive therapy that improves speech fluency by enhancing brain network communication involved in speech initiation.
How similar studies have performed: Related noninvasive brain stimulation work (for example tDCS) has shown mixed but sometimes promising effects on speech, while delta-tuned tACS for stuttering is relatively novel and less tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for stutterers: * Have normal language, hearing, and cognition * Speak English as the primary language * Currently stutter * Score (per protocol) a certain value on the Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-4). * Have not received any treatment for stuttering within the past year Exclusion Criteria for stutterers: * History of seizures * Major medical or neurological illness (e.g., stroke, serious head trauma, brain infection, Parkinson's disease, etc.) * History of closed head injury with loss of consciousness (e.g., concussion) * Metal or electronic implants such as cochlear implants and pacemakers anywhere in the body * Braids or other hair styling that prevents direct access to the scalp (if removal not possible) * Currently pregnant
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Soo-Eun Chang, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Soo-Eun Chang, PhD
- Email: sooeunc@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-232-0300
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Stuttering, Adult, Stuttering, Childhood, Stuttering, Developmental, tACS, Magnetic resonance imaging, Electroencephalogram, Auditory perturbation, Neural oscillations