Exploring how motor tasks and lidocaine affect reading unfamiliar words in adults with and without dyslexia

How Related Are Speech Production and Reading? An Investigation of the Impact of Motor Tasks and Lidocaine on Reading Unfamiliar Words in Adults With and Without Dyslexia

Phase 4 Interventional University of Alberta · NCT05854082

This study is testing how doing simple motor tasks and using lidocaine affects reading unfamiliar words in adults with and without dyslexia.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alberta Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edmonton, Alberta)
Trial IDNCT05854082 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the relationship between speech production and reading ability in adults, particularly focusing on those with dyslexia. Participants will engage in various reading tasks while performing motor activities, such as sucking on a lollipop or using a bite bar, and under the influence of lidocaine. The aim is to assess how these conditions impact their reading performance, specifically in terms of accuracy and speed. By examining the connection between oral language skills and reading, the study seeks to enhance understanding of reading disorders and their underlying mechanisms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18 and older, proficient in English, and weighing at least 50 kg.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of adverse reactions to anesthetics or those with severe kidney or liver disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into effective interventions for improving reading skills in individuals with dyslexia.

How similar studies have performed: While this specific approach has not been tested in clinical trials, related studies suggest a promising connection between speech production and reading abilities.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All participants will be healthy and need to be proficient in English as the assessment materials are only available in English.
* Adult participants must weigh at least 50 kg or 110 lbs to avoid any possible toxic effects from the lidocaine.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants must have no personal or family history of adverse reactions to anesthetics to complete all the conditions.
* Participants who cannot consume sugary products will also be excluded.
* Additional exclusion criteria include: severe kidney disease; severe liver disease; treatment with class I antiarrhythmic drugs (such as mexiletine) or class III antiarrhythmic drugs (such as amiodarone)
* lack of integrity of oral mucosa\]
* allergy to non-medicinal ingredients and preservatives (and related compounds) of Lidocaine Viscous, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, paraaminobenzoic acid, saccharin, artificial colours and flavour
* concomitant use of another anaesthetic containing lidocaine or another amide
* participant being pregnant or suspecting that she might be pregnant

Where this trial is running

Edmonton, Alberta

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Reading Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.