Music intervention for language development in infants at risk for dyslexia
Language Development Deficits and Early Interactive Music Intervention - a Randomized Controlled Trial (BusyBaby)
This study is testing whether a 6-month music program can help babies at risk for dyslexia improve their language skills better than a circus program.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Months to 12 Months |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Helsinki Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Helsinki) |
| Trial ID | NCT06261307 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of a 6-month music intervention compared to a circus intervention on language development in infants and toddlers, particularly focusing on those with familial risk for dyslexia. The research aims to understand how these interventions influence speech processing and language abilities, while also considering factors such as the timing of the intervention and the genetic background of the participants. Approximately 200 infants aged 8-12 months will be recruited, and their progress will be monitored to assess the impact of these playful activities on their language skills. The study also explores the social-emotional benefits of the interventions for both the child and caregiver.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are infants aged 8-12 months with at least one biological parent diagnosed with developmental dyslexia.
Not a fit: Patients who have serious health conditions or sensory deficits may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance language development in infants at risk for dyslexia, potentially reducing future reading difficulties.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that musical activities can positively influence language learning, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 8-12 months old at start of intervention (recruited between 0-11 months) * Born healthy and at term (gestational age at least 37 weeks and birth weight at least 2500 g) * Normal hearing at birth (evoked oto-acoustic emissions conducted to newborns routinely at the hospital) * At least one caregiver living with the child is native speaker of Finnish and speaks Finnish to the child * Risk group: At least one biological parent has developmental dyslexia according to a recent (\<5 years) diagnostic statement by a health care professional or according to a dyslexia test at study enrollment; symptoms have started in childhood Exclusion Criteria: * Medication affecting the central nervous system * Sensory deficits * Serious health conditions * No-risk group: Suspected dyslexia or developmental language disorder due to symptoms that have started in childhood in either of the biological parents; diagnosis of a developmental or language disorder (incl. dyslexia, developmental language disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ADHD, attention-deficit disorder ADD) or neurological disorder in either of the biological parents * Risk group: Diagnosis of ADHD, ADD, or other not-language-related developmental disorder in either of the biological parents; in the dyslexic parent, brain trauma in childhood that may indicate a non-heritable cause for the reading deficit or individualized school curriculum that may indicate broader developmental deficits.
Where this trial is running
Helsinki
- University of Helsinki — Helsinki, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paula Virtala, PhD — University of Helsinki
- Study coordinator: Paula Virtala, PhD
- Email: paula.virtala@helsinki.fi
- Phone: 408446907
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.