Motor brain circuits for speech production in adults who stutter

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

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

• Exploring the nature and treatment of stuttering

  This study is testing new ways to treat stuttering by looking at the different factors that affect it in both one-language and multiple-language speakers.

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• Delta-frequency alternating-current brain stimulation paired with choral reading for stuttering

  This project will try mild, noninvasive alternating-current brain stimulation (tACS) paired with choral reading to see if it reduces stuttering in English-speaking children and adults who currently stutter.

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• Understanding why some children outgrow stuttering while others do not

  This study looks at why some kids aged 3-6 outgrow stuttering while others don’t by testing their speech and language skills through fun activities over several years.

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• Desensitization-Based Program to Help Adults Who Stutter Improve Job Interview Skills

  This program tests a 10-week desensitization-based therapy to help young adults who stutter feel more confident and fluent during job interviews.

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• Lumateperone for childhood-onset stuttering in adults

  A small study tests whether lumateperone can help reduce stuttering in adults who began stuttering in childhood.

  Recruiting Phase 2 CSTrials Inc. · Costa Mesa, California · NCT07734103

• Noninvasive Thalamocortical Stimulation for Stuttering

  This study tests whether mild, focused ultrasound to a brain area involved in speech can safely improve fluency in adults who stutter.

  Recruiting University of Michigan · Ann Arbor, Michigan · NCT07668882

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.