Understanding how the brain learns and retains speech motor skills
Sensorimotor Basis of Speech Motor Learning and Retention
This study is trying to see how different parts of the brain help people learn and remember how to speak by using special techniques to look at brain activity.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yale University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New Haven, Connecticut) |
| Trial ID | NCT06491823 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to explore a new model of speech motor learning by investigating the role of brain plasticity in motor, auditory, and somatosensory regions. The study will utilize transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to disrupt specific brain areas and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe circuit-level activity associated with learning and retention of speech movements. By measuring cortical excitability through various evoked potentials, the researchers will assess the temporal order of plasticity during speech motor adaptation and retention. This approach seeks to identify the brain regions that contribute to effective speech motor learning.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are fluent English-speaking, right-handed individuals with normal hearing and no speech disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological disorders, metal implants, or those taking psychoactive medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance therapeutic strategies for individuals with speech motor challenges by improving our understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding brain plasticity related to motor learning, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Fluent English speakers * Right-handed * Normal hearing * No speech disorder or reading disability Exclusion Criteria: * Cardiac pacemaker * Aneurysm clip * Heart or Vascular clip * Prosthetic valve * Metal implants * Metal in brain, skull, or spinal cord * Implanted neurostimulator * Medication infusion device * Cochlear implant or tinnitus (ringing in ears) * Personal and/or family history of epilepsy or other neurological disorders or history of head concussion * Psychoactive medications * Pregnancy
Where this trial is running
New Haven, Connecticut
- Yale Child Study Center — New Haven, Connecticut, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Ostry — Yale University
- 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.