Effects of brain stimulation on reading and language skills
Timing and Facilitation Effects of Theta-Burst Stimulation in the Reading and Language Systems
This study is testing how different types of brain stimulation can improve reading and language skills in people.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgia State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06608680 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) influences reading and language abilities by examining the timing and facilitation effects of different stimulation types. Participants will undergo cognitive testing, receive MRI scans, and experience various forms of TMS, including inhibitory and excitatory stimulation, to assess their impact on reading performance. The research aims to determine the optimal timing for stimulation effects and how these effects vary between different types of stimulation compared to a sham condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are native English speakers aged 18 to 30 with low average intellectual functioning and normal reading skills.
Not a fit: Patients with a documented history of learning disabilities will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of brain stimulation techniques to improve reading and language skills in individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using TMS have shown promising results in enhancing cognitive functions, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Subjects must have a minimum of low average intellectual functioning (\>=80) on at least one subscale on the Wechsler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence-2 (WASI-2; Wechsler, 2011) to be included. * Within a normal range of reading skills as \>85 on the Test of Word Reading Efficiency - Second Edition (TOWRE-2; Torgesen et al., 2012) and the Woodcock-Johnson IV Tests of Achievement (WJ-IV; Schrank et al., 2014) * Individuals with a documented history of learning disability will not be included. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire. * Subjects must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to be included. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire. * Because reading is critically linked to language, only individuals who are native speakers of English will be included in the study. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire. * The reading network is typically localized to the left side of the brain. However, left-handed individuals may have different brain lateralization, introducing an important confound to the study. Therefore, only right-handed individuals will be included in the study. This will be determined via demographics questionnaire. * Individuals who have hearing deficits (\>25dB at 500+ Hz), visual deficits (\>20/40), serious emotional problems, certain neurological conditions (e.g., uncontrolled seizure disorders) will not be included. This will be determined via CABI Screening Forms and Demographics Questionnaire. * Individuals with certain metals in their bodies or with certain health conditions will not be included. If an individual has braces on their teeth, a cardiac pacemaker; hearing aid; other metal in their body or eyes (which may include certain metallic-embedded tattoos), including but not limited to pins, screws, shrapnel, plates, dentures or other metal objects they will not be included. This will be determined via CABI Screening forms. * Individuals with MRI Screening and Contraindication Forms which do not pass MRI Tech review will not be included. * Individuals with TMS Screening Forms which do not pass TMS Tech review will not be included.
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia State University — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Rachael Harrington, Ph.D. CCC-SLP
- Email: rharrington2@gsu.edu
- Phone: 404-413-6219
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.