Exploring how brain stimulation affects speech motor learning
Establish the Role of Premotor and Motor Cortices in tDCS-facilitated Speech Motor Learning
This study is testing whether different types of brain stimulation can help healthy people learn to speak more accurately and smoothly.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | New York University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05804344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of different types of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on speech motor learning in healthy participants. Participants will undergo speech motor training using nonwords while receiving one of six tDCS conditions, including various stimulation types over speech and non-speech motor regions. The primary focus is to determine if stimulating specific brain areas enhances the accuracy and timing of speech production. The findings could provide insights into effective treatments for individuals with acquired speech impairments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are native English speakers with no history of speech, language, or hearing disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of speech, language, or hearing disorders, or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for speech motor learning and rehabilitation in individuals with speech impairments.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in its specific application to speech motor learning, similar studies using tDCS have shown promising results in other areas of cognitive and motor function.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * native English speaker (learned English in the home from birth) * no exposure to languages that contain the trained consonant clusters (e.g., Slavic languages, Greek, Hebrew). Exclusion Criteria: * a history of speech, language or hearing disorder * not passing a hearing screening (40 dB HL; ANSI: 1983) at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000Hz binaurally * presence of potential tDCS risk factors: damaged skin at site of stimulation; presence of electrically or magnetically activated implant (including pacemaker); and metal in any part of their body
Where this trial is running
New York, New York
- New York University Department of Communicative Sciences and Disorders — New York, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Adam Buchwald, PhD — New York University
- Study coordinator: Adam Buchwald, Phd
- Email: buchwaldlab.nyu@gmail.com
- Phone: 2129985260
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.