Training listeners to improve communication for people with Parkinson's disease
Official title: Listener Training for Improved Intelligibility of People With Parkinson's Disease
Run by Utah State University · NCT06815263 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Utah State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tallahassee, Florida and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | May 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06815263 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a medical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and speech diagnosis of hyperkinetic dysarthria.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those under 18 years of age may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: While listener training is a novel approach, previous studies have indicated that training communication partners can improve interactions for individuals with speech impairments.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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 take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.