Ecological Momentary Intervention for Post-Stroke Anomia
Official title: Word Retrieval in the Wild: Establishing Preliminary Efficacy of Semantic Feature Ecological Momentary Intervention for Post-Stroke Aphasia
Run by Northeastern University · NCT07739875 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests a smartwatch-based training that delivers frequent, real-life word-finding practice to adults with chronic aphasia after a stroke.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 19, 2026 |
| Main results expected | August 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | August 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 31, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07739875 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with chronic left-hemisphere stroke and clinically significant aphasia who can use a smartwatch and meet baseline language criteria.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals without sufficient training targets or with conditions affecting language recovery beyond aphasia may see limited benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study uses a smartwatch-delivered semantic feature training program over six weeks to provide high-dosage, distributed therapy for post-stroke anomia. Twenty people with aphasia will complete 24 trials per day between 10 am and 8 pm, aiming to improve word retrieval in everyday life. The approach addresses gaps in traditional therapy by promoting contextualized practice outside clinic settings. Eligibility includes chronic left-hemisphere stroke survivors with sufficient English, vision and hearing, and stable medical status. Baseline language assessment and a naming probe will ensure participants receive training on target words.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved ability to retrieve words in daily communication.
How similar studies have gone: Early evidence supports distributed, real-world practice for language rehabilitation, but this EMI approach is novel in post-stroke aphasia.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Current/pre-stroke English proficiency 2. Normal/corrected-to-normal vision and hearing 3. Medical stability 4. History of left hemisphere stroke at least six months prior to enrollment. Upon enrollment, additional testing will be required to determine eligibility for receiving the therapy, including 1) presence of aphasia as determined by scores on language tests and the study team's clinical judgment (spearheaded by PI Meier) and 2) at least 48 items eligible for training based on the baseline naming probe, a necessity to ensure PWA who do not require training on the targeted word list are not unnecessarily included in the treatment group. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosis of neurological disease affecting the brain (besides stroke) 2. Major psychiatric disorders 3. Recent history of falls within six months of enrollment
Where it's running
-
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erin L Meier, PhD — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Erin L Meier, PhD
- Email: e.meier@northeastern.edu
- Phone: 617-373-7438
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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.