High- vs Low-Intensity Speech Therapy for Children with Phonological Speech Sounds
Official title: The Short- and Long-Term Effects and Cost-Effectiveness of High-Intensity Versus Low-Intensity Speech Intervention in Children With Phonological Speech Sound Disorders.
Run by University Ghent · NCT07779759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a higher-frequency speech therapy approach helps children aged 4–12 with phonological speech sound disorders more than a lower-frequency approach.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 4 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Ghent Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ghent) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 30, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07779759 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children aged 4–12 with at least one phonological speech sound disorder and no language, hearing, neurological, or craniofacial conditions.
✕Probably not a fit
Children with comorbid language, hearing, neurological, or craniofacial disorders may not experience the same benefit or could require alternative approaches.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized trial compares two speech-language pathology strategies for children with phonological speech sound disorders: a high-intensity combined phonetic-phonological intervention and a low-intensity version. It focuses on speech outcomes, quality of life, and cost-utility, delivered by first-line clinicians at a major Belgian center. Participants are 4–12 years old with at least one phonological speech sound disorder and without additional language, hearing, neurological, or craniofacial conditions. The study aims to provide evidence on the optimal intervention intensity to improve intelligibility and overall impact on the child and family. Results could influence standard practice and resource allocation in pediatric speech therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the high-intensity approach could improve speech clarity and quality of life for children with phonological disorders and may offer better value for care.
How similar studies have gone: Other trials in pediatric speech therapy have explored intensity and therapy dosage, showing potential signals of benefit but with variability by population and methods.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 4 and 12 years * Presence of at least one phonological speech sound disorder. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a language disorder * Presence of hearing disorders * Presence of neurological or neuromuscular disorders * Presence of craniofacial anomalies (e.g., a cleft palate)
Where it's running
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University Hospital Ghent
Ghent, Belgium Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kristiane Van Lierde — University Ghent
- Study coordinator: Fien Allemeersch
- Email: fien.allemeersch@ugent.be
- Phone: +32474128135
Similar studies
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Perceptions of High and Low Intensity Speech Intervention in Children with a Cleft Palate
This study looks at how providers and children with cleft palate and their parents feel about high- versus low-intensity speech therapy to see which is more acceptable and helpful.
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Comparing high and low intensity speech therapy for children with cleft palate
This study is testing whether more frequent speech therapy sessions help Belgian Dutch-speaking children with cleft palate improve their speech and overall quality of life better than fewer sessions over a longer time.
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Comparing speech interventions for children with cleft palate
This study is trying to find out if high or low intensity speech therapy works better for children with cleft palate by talking to the kids, their caregivers, and speech therapists about their experiences.
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This study is testing new ways to measure language growth in preschoolers with communication challenges, like Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, to see what helps them learn to talk better.
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.