Using brain stimulation to improve learning of new spoken words
Evaluating the Impact of Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation on Learning and Consolidation of Phonologically Similar Novel Spoken Words
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help young people, both those who read well and those with reading difficulties, learn and remember new spoken words better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 24 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Georgia State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Atlanta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06387615 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) on the ability to learn and retain novel spoken words in older youth aged 16-24. Participants will be divided into two groups: typically developing youth and those with reading difficulties. The study will utilize inhibitory continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to target the left dorsal stream of the language network, specifically the left supramarginal gyrus, to assess its impact on word learning and retention. Participants will undergo brain imaging and complete tasks designed to measure their phonological discrimination and spoken word learning abilities before and after stimulation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are native English-speaking youth aged 16-24 with or without reading difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, significant hearing or visual deficits, or certain neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance vocabulary acquisition and retention in individuals with dyslexia and related learning difficulties.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of TMS in language learning is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar applications.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Native English speaker (who is not fluent in any other language and does not identify as bilingual) * Normal or corrected to normal vision Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder * Hearing deficits (\>25 decibels at 500+ Hz), visual deficits (\>20/40), serious emotional problems (e.g., severe, uncontrolled depression) and certain neurological conditions (e.g., uncontrolled seizure disorders) * Individuals with certain metals in their bodies or with certain health conditions. If an individual has braces on their teeth, a cardiac pacemaker; hearing aid; other metal in their body or eyes (which may include certain metallic-embedded tattoos), including but not limited to pins, screws, shrapnel, plates, dentures or other metal objects * Individuals taking certain medications that lower seizure threshold * Individuals with TMS Screening and Contraindication Forms which do not pass TMS Tech review * Individuals with MRI Screening and Contraindication Forms which do not pass MRI Tech review
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia State University/Georgia Tech Center for Advanced Brain Imaging (CABI) — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: C.Nikki Arrington, PhD
- Email: carrington3@gsu.edu
- Phone: 404-385-8621
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.