Speech practice to improve communication for people with aphasia
Efficacy and Optimization of Speech Entrainment Practice for People With Aphasia
This study is testing if practicing speech by imitating a model speaker can help people with aphasia improve their ability to communicate.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Albert Einstein Healthcare Network Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Elkins Park, Pennsylvania) |
| Trial ID | NCT05687994 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to explore how speech entrainment practice can enhance independent speech production in individuals with aphasia. Participants will engage in speaking exercises where they imitate a model speaker in real-time, with the study assessing the effectiveness of different practice conditions. The study will measure the informativeness and efficiency of speech through various experimental conditions, including auditory and audiovisual models. By comparing speech performance before and after the practice, the research seeks to optimize treatment techniques for aphasia rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 who are native English speakers and have been diagnosed with aphasia for more than six months.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of learning disabilities or other neurological impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve communication abilities for individuals with aphasia.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18-80 years at the time of enrollment * English as native language * greater than six months post onset * Diagnosis of aphasia based on Western Aphasia Battery - Revised (WAB-R) * Score of 7 or less on the Fluency subsection of the WAB-R * Demonstrate having the willingness and stamina to participate in the multiple-session protocol, either by traveling to the MRRI testing site or being tested at home Exclusion Criteria: * History of learning disabilities * History of other comorbid neurological impairments
Where this trial is running
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute — Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marja-Liisa Mailend, PhD — Albert Einstein Healthcare Network
- Study coordinator: Shauna Zodrow, BA
- Email: shauna.zodrow@jefferson.edu
- Phone: 215-663-6107
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.