Music therapy for stroke rehabilitation in patients with non-fluent aphasia

Music Therapy for Rehabilitation in Post-stroke Non-fluent Aphasia: the Indian Adaptation

Not applicable Interventional All India Institute of Medical Sciences · NCT06323330

This study is trying out a new music therapy for stroke patients with speech difficulties to see if it helps them recover their ability to speak better than regular speech therapy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorAll India Institute of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Locations3 sites (New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06323330 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and test an Indian adaptation of Melodic Intonation Therapy (MIT) for patients suffering from post-stroke non-fluent aphasia. The research will be conducted in two stages: first, formulating a therapy module with input from speech-language therapists and music experts, and second, assessing the feasibility and effectiveness of this therapy compared to standard speech rehabilitation. A total of 70 patients will be recruited, with randomization into intervention and control groups to evaluate speech recovery over 12 weeks.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have experienced a stroke with non-fluent aphasia within the past year.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous strokes or those with global aphasia may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve speech recovery in patients with post-stroke non-fluent aphasia.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific adaptation of MIT for Indian patients is novel and has not been previously tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All of the following

1. Age ≥18 years of age
2. Stroke with non-fluent aphasia, within one year of ictus
3. Imaging evidence suggestive of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke of dominant hemisphere
4. Patient is alert and able to follow simple commands (should not have global aphasia)
5. Motivated caregiver
6. Informed and signed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Any of the following:

1. Patients with a history of a previous stroke other than the index event, which can explain the aphasia.
2. Any clinical condition (e.g., short life expectancy, coexisting disease) or other characteristics that preclude appropriate follow-up in the study (e.g., distant residence, no family support)
3. Patients participating in any therapeutic intervention clinical trials evaluating poststroke recovery
4. Use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with patient evaluation

Where this trial is running

New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Stroke RehabilitationAphasia, BrocaPost stroke non-fluent aphasiaMelodic Intonation TherapyIndian Adaptation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.