Motor brain circuits for speech production in adults who stutter
Organization and Development of Motor Cortical Circuits for Speech Production in Stuttering
We will use MRI while adults who stutter speak to test how motor brain areas and their connections work during continuous speech.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Michigan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT07180628 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants who currently stutter will perform continuous speech tasks while undergoing functional MRI to measure activity in inter-effector areas (IEAs) and network connectivity. Behavioral speech assessments will be collected alongside imaging to link brain measurements with speech performance. Eligible adults (18–65, primary English speakers, normal hearing/language/cognition, and MRI-safe) will be scanned at the University of Michigan. The imaging data will be analyzed for activation patterns and functional connectivity differences in motor-related cortical circuits associated with stuttering.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18–65 who currently stutter, speak English as their primary language, have normal hearing, language and cognition, and can safely undergo MRI (no metal implants, not pregnant).
Not a fit: People with major neurological or medical conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's), recent head injury, reading disorders, hearing loss, metal/electronic implants, non-English primary speakers, children, or those unable to travel to Ann Arbor are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help pinpoint brain circuit differences underlying stuttering and guide more targeted therapies or brain-stimulation approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous fMRI and connectivity studies have reported altered motor-system activity in people who stutter, so this work builds on existing findings though specific inter-effector connectivity patterns remain under study.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Are between the ages of 18-65 years * Have otherwise normal speech, language, hearing and cognition * Speak English as their primary language * Currently stutter Exclusion Criteria: * Have serious medical or neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson's disease, etc.) * Have had a closed head injury (e.g., concussion) * Have a reading disorder (e.g., dyslexia) * Have hearing loss * Have metal or electronic implants (e.g., cochlear implants, pacemakers, etc.) * Are currently pregnant
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Soo-Eun Shang, PhD — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Emily Garnett, PhD
- Email: emilyog@umich.edu
- Phone: 734-232-3371
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.