Understanding how sensory feedback affects speech motor learning
Brain Structures in Speech Motor Memory Consolidation
This study tests how changing the way we hear ourselves speak affects our ability to remember and improve our speech movements over time.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montréal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT04497428 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of sensory areas in the brain in consolidating speech motor memory. Participants will undergo training with altered sensory feedback, followed by transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTBS) to suppress activity in specific brain regions. The goal is to determine how blocking these areas affects the retention of learned speech movements. Participants will be assessed on their ability to retain learning after 24 hours, measuring changes in speech sounds or movements.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are right-handed adults without any known physical or neurological abnormalities.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of neurological issues, certain medical implants, or those currently on specific psychiatric medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance therapies for speech disorders by improving our understanding of motor memory consolidation.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using cTBS in this context is relatively novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding sensory contributions to motor learning.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * right handed adults * no known physical or neurological abnormalities Exclusion Criteria: * patients with: * cardiac pacemaker * surgical clips or values on the heart * implants * metal or metallic fragments in any part of the body * pregnancy * claustrophobia * a personal or family history of epilepsy * currently taking antipsychotic drugs * currently taking antidepressant drugs * currently taking antianxiety drugs * history of concussion.
Where this trial is running
Montréal, Quebec
- McGill University — Montréal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Ostry — Haskins Laboratories
- Study coordinator: David Ostry
- Email: david.ostry@yale.edu
- Phone: 2038656163
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.