Delta-frequency alternating-current brain stimulation paired with choral reading for stuttering
Official title: Improving Neural Oscillation and Synchrony Between Motor and Auditory Regions in Stuttering Using Personalized Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)
Run by University of Michigan · NCT06740968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 5, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06740968 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Exploring the nature and treatment of stuttering
This study is testing new ways to treat stuttering by looking at the different factors that affect it in both one-language and multiple-language speakers.
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Motor brain circuits for speech production in adults who stutter
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Understanding why some children outgrow stuttering while others do not
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Testing how people control their speech in different feedback situations
This study tests how adults with and without speech or reading differences use auditory and somatosensory feedback to control their speech.
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Transcranial magnetic stimulation for adult stuttering
We will test whether repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to a language-related brain area can reduce stuttering in adults who stutter.
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.