Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 4 to 12

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 typeInterventional
Ages4 Years to 12 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Ghent
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent)
StatusRecruiting
StartedNovember 30, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 30, 2027
Study endsDecember 30, 2027
Registry record updatedAugust 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT07779759 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

  • University Hospital Ghent
    Ghent, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.