Training listeners to improve communication for people with Parkinson's disease
Listener Training for Improved Intelligibility of People With Parkinson's Disease
This study is testing a training program for family and friends of people with Parkinson's disease to help them understand speech better and improve communication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Utah State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tallahassee, Florida and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06815263 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on enhancing communication for individuals with dysarthria caused by Parkinson's disease by training their primary communication partners to better understand their speech. It employs a randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the effectiveness of listener training, shifting the responsibility of improving communication from the speaker to the listener. The goal is to improve intelligibility and reduce social isolation for patients by empowering their family members and close contacts to engage more effectively in conversations. This innovative approach addresses a significant gap in current treatment options for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and speech diagnosis of hyperkinetic dysarthria.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those under 18 years of age may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance communication outcomes and social participation for patients with Parkinson's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While listener training is a novel approach, previous studies have indicated that training communication partners can improve interactions for individuals with speech impairments.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary language is English * 18 years or older * medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (patient participants) * speech diagnosis of hyperkinetic dysarthria, exhibiting hallmark characteristics (patient participants) Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment * Less than 18 years of age * Primary language other than English
Where this trial is running
Tallahassee, Florida and 1 other locations
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
- Utah State University — Logan, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Stephanie Borrie, PhD — Utah State University
- Study coordinator: Morgan Robertson, PhD
- Email: morgan.robertson@usu.edu
- Phone: 435-797-1388
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.