Understanding speech processing in children who stutter
Neural Processing of Speech Signals in Children Who Stutter
NA · University of Pittsburgh · NCT05668923
This study looks at how children's brains process speech to see if there are differences between kids who stutter and those who don't.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Ages | 5 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05668923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to explore how speech and language are processed in the brains of children, particularly focusing on differences between those who stutter and those who do not. The study employs a combination of behavioral speech and language tests, electroencephalography (EEG), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to evaluate neural processes involved in speech sound encoding. Participants will undergo various speech-sound tasks while their brain activity is monitored, allowing researchers to quantify neural activations related to speech processing. The findings may provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of stuttering and inform future interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include children who are fluent English speakers, aged within the typical range of cognitive and language abilities, and either have developmental stuttering or are typically fluent without a family history of stuttering.
Not a fit: Patients with other communication disorders, cognitive impairments, or those taking medications that alter neural function may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for children who stutter.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using neuroimaging techniques to understand speech processing, but this specific approach focusing on stuttering is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Speaks English as primary language * Language abilities within the typical range * Cognitive abilities within the typical range * No contraindications for MRI Inclusion criteria for children who stutter: * Presence of developmental stuttering (onset in childhood) * No history of other communication disorder Inclusion criteria for children who do not stutter: * No family history of stuttering * No history of other communication disorders (e.g., hearing impairment, language impairment, cognitive impairment/injury) Exclusion Criteria: * Taking medication that alters neural function * Cognitive skills below the typical range * Major medical illness * Not a fluent speaker of English * Pregnant or possibly pregnant * Metal implants in your body (including pacemakers, neurostimulators, or other metal objects) * Shrapnel injuries * Ocular foreign bodies (e.g., metal shavings) * Metal piercings that cannot be removed for the scan * Tattoos containing iron or metal pigments * Prone to claustrophobia * For fMRI, those with head circumference greater than 60cm or whose weight is more than 300 pounds will be excluded due to the size of the fMRI magnet bore
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan and 1 other locations
- University of Michigan — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- University of Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amanda Hampton Wray, PhD, CCC-SLP — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Brittany Coleman, MS, CCC-SLP
- Email: bmc162@pitt.edu
- Phone: 412-710-6028
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.
Conditions: Stuttering, Childhood