Using rhythm to improve speech in people with aphasia

Investigating the Neural Mechanisms Underlying Language Recovery Through Rhythm Therapy

Not applicable Interventional The University of Texas at Dallas · NCT04581564

This study is testing a new speech therapy app that uses rhythm to help people with aphasia improve their speaking skills after a stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas at Dallas Academic / other
Locations1 site (Richardson, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04581564 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates a novel rhythm-based intervention aimed at improving speech fluency in individuals diagnosed with aphasia, a language disorder often resulting from stroke. The intervention utilizes a speech therapy app called Speech Hero, which focuses on leveraging rhythmic patterns to facilitate language production. By employing multimodal neuroimaging and statistical analysis, the study aims to uncover the neural mechanisms that support music-induced language recovery. The ultimate goal is to enhance treatment strategies for aphasia by demonstrating the efficacy of rhythm alone in aiding speech recovery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals who are over six months post-stroke, have intact limb motor function on at least one side, and can name a few items.

Not a fit: Patients who are less than six months post-stroke or have comorbid neurological disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication abilities for patients with aphasia, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with rhythm-based interventions in speech therapy, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Must be over six months post-stroke
* Limb motor function, at least on the left side, should remain relatively intact
* Be able to name at least few items
* Must not suffer from any other type of neurological disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

* less than six months post-stroke
* Metal in the body
* Comorbidity with other neurological disorders (e.g., depression)

Where this trial is running

Richardson, Texas

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Aphasia
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.