Using brain stimulation to improve speech fluency in adults who stutter
An Investigation of the Effect of 5 Consecutive Days of Bihemispheric TDCS on Speech Fluency in Individuals With Stuttering
This study is testing if a type of brain stimulation can help adults who stutter speak more fluently over five days of practice.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Biruni University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, Zeytinburnu) |
| Trial ID | NCT06278233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effects of bihemispheric transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on speech fluency in adults with developmental stuttering. Participants will receive either active or sham stimulation for five consecutive days while engaging in fluency-facilitating activities. The study aims to determine if the active stimulation enhances reading and speaking fluency compared to the sham condition. Assessments will be conducted before, immediately after, and one week post-stimulation to evaluate changes in fluency. A total of 36 adults will be enrolled in this double-blind, sham-controlled trial.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with developmental stuttering who are right-hand dominant.
Not a fit: Patients with neurological or psychiatric disorders, or those with a history of seizures or other specified medical conditions, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve speech fluency in adults who stutter, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using tDCS for stuttering have shown promise, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * developmental stuttering * age between 18 and 60 years * right hand dominant Exclusion Criteria: * history of seizures, head trauma, hearing problems, cochlear implant, intracranial metal implantation, medications that affects the central nervous system, implanted neurostimulators, cardiac pacemakers, or medication infusion devices * any speech and language disorder other than developmental stuttering * neurological or psychiatric disorders, brain surgery, tumours, neurodevelopmental disorders, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, Zeytinburnu
- Biruni University — Istanbul, Zeytinburnu, Turkey (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Feyzanur Ocak, Slp — Atlas University
- Study coordinator: Çağdaş karsan, Asst. prof.
- Email: cagkarsan@gmail.com
- Phone: 05552934133
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.