Understanding how people who stutter process speech

Speech Processing in Stuttering

Not applicable Interventional University of Michigan · NCT04929184

This study looks at how people who stutter process speech compared to those who don’t, using different tasks to better understand stuttering and help improve treatments.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages6 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Michigan Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04929184 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to explore the speech processing abilities of individuals who stutter, comparing them to those who do not stutter. Participants will engage in various computer and speech-based tasks over up to two visits to gather data on their speech production and processing. The study includes both children and adults, with specific eligibility criteria to ensure a diverse participant pool. The findings could provide insights into the mechanisms of stuttering and inform future therapeutic approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include children aged 6-17 and adults aged 18-65 who currently stutter, as well as healthy individuals in the same age ranges who do not stutter.

Not a fit: Patients with a personal or family history of stuttering who are not currently stuttering may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of stuttering and lead to improved interventions for those affected.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on speech processing, this specific approach focusing on stuttering is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (adults who do not stutter):

* 18-65 years old
* English as primary language
* Normal speech, language, hearing, cognition

Exclusion criteria: (adults who do not stutter)

* Personal or family history of stuttering
* Major medical or psychiatric illness

Inclusion criteria: (adults who stutter)

* Aged 18-65 years
* English as primary language
* Normal speech, language, hearing, cognition (other than stuttering)
* Currently stutters

Exclusion criteria: (adults who stutter)

* Speech therapy within the past year
* Major medical or psychiatric illness

Inclusion criteria: (children who do not stutter)

* Aged 6 to 17 years
* English as primary language
* Normal speech, language, hearing, cognition

Exclusion criteria: (children who do not stutter)

* Personal or family history of stuttering
* Major medical or psychiatric illness
* Language/motor delay

Inclusion criteria: (children who stutter)

* Aged 6 to 17 years
* English as primary language
* Normal speech, language, hearing, cognition (other than stuttering)
* Currently stutters

Exclusion criteria: (children who stutter)

* Major medical or psychiatric illness
* Language/motor delay

Where this trial is running

Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 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 StutteringStuttering, ChildhoodStuttering, AdultHealthy childrenHealthy Adults
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.