Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Intensive rehabilitation for speech and language recovery after stroke

Official title: Evaluating the Effects of Intensive Speech and Language Rehabilitation Regarding Neuroplasticity, Speech, Language, Communication Skills and Quality of Life for People With Acquired Aphasia and/or Apraxia of Speech in the Chronic Phase

Run by Karolinska Institutet · NCT04604444 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether a two-week intensive speech and language therapy program can help people with speech difficulties after a stroke improve their communication and quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment30 (estimated)
SponsorKarolinska Institutet
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Uppsala)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 2, 2017
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsDecember 31, 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 31, 2024
Trial IDNCT04604444 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with aphasia or apraxia of speech at least seven months post-stroke.

Probably not a fit

Patients with dementia, severe sensory impairments, or those who cannot undergo fMRI due to metal implants or claustrophobia may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of a two-week intensive speech-language pathology intervention combined with physiotherapy on individuals with chronic aphasia and apraxia of speech following a stroke. It aims to assess both short- and long-term changes in speech, language, communication, and quality of life, as well as the associated structural and functional brain changes using advanced imaging techniques. Participants will undergo standardized testing before and after the intervention, with follow-up assessments conducted 16 weeks later to evaluate progress. The study is conducted by experienced speech-language pathologists in a rehabilitation center specializing in chronic neurological conditions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication abilities and quality of life for patients with chronic aphasia and apraxia of speech.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with intensive rehabilitation approaches for speech and language recovery, indicating potential for success in this study.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Aphasia 7 months post stroke diagnosed by SLP
* Apraxia of Speech 7 months post stroke diagnosed by SLP

Exclusion Criteria:

* Dementia
* Severe loss of sight
* Severe loss of hearing
* Metal implants (preventing fMRI)
* Claustrophobia (preventing fMRI)

Where it's running

  • Uppsala Universitet
    Uppsala, Sweden
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Ellika Schalling, Professor — Uppsala University
  • Study coordinator: Marika J Schütz, Ph.D student
  • Email: marika.schutz@uu.se
  • Phone: 0046737570430

Similar studies

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

  • Decoding Mandarin speech features from brain-surface signals

    This project will try to decode imagined Mandarin speech, including lexical tones, from high-density brain-surface (ECoG) signals in adult patients who are having clinically indicated cortical electrode placement.

    Recruiting Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine · Hangzhou, Zhejiang · NCT07460037

  • Effects of speech-language intervention on bilingual speakers with primary progressive aphasia

    This study tests if special speech therapy designed for bilingual people can help those with primary progressive aphasia communicate better in both of their languages.

    Recruiting at 2 sites University of Texas at Austin · Austin, Texas and 2 other locations · NCT05741853

  • See how language and general thinking networks help aphasia recovery

    This study tests whether language and general cognitive networks contribute to language recovery after stroke in people with aphasia.

    Recruiting Boston University Charles River Campus · Boston, Massachusetts · NCT07926347

  • Aphasia rehabilitation with tDCS as added to speech therapy

    We are testing whether adding non-invasive brain stimulation (tDCS) to speech therapy helps people with Broca's aphasia after stroke more than speech therapy alone.

    Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 2/3 University of South Carolina · Charleston, South Carolina and 2 other locations · NCT07688551

  • Tailoring rTMS for Post-Stroke Aphasia Based on Language Profile

    A non-drug brain stimulation approach is tested to see if customizing rTMS targets improves language recovery in people with aphasia after a left-brain stroke.

    Recruiting University of South Carolina · Columbia, South Carolina · NCT07608588

  • LEXURE digital language therapy for post-stroke aphasia

    This trial will test whether using the LEXURE app helps adults with post-stroke aphasia improve language more than workbook-based practice.

    Recruiting at 8 sites Nunaps Inc · Ansan, Gyeonggi-do and 11 other locations · NCT07570264

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.