Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Explore Potential Treatments to Reduce Speech Errors in Adults Who Stutter (NCT07354139)
Examining Speech Production Errors in Stuttering Through High Definition - Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The goal of this study is to find out whether a type of noninvasive brain stimulation can help reduce speech errors, such as repetitions, blocks, and prolongations, in people who stutter. This pilot study will help researchers design future treatments to see if targeting certain brain areas can improve speech fluency. The study will look at how people speak and behave during both speaking and non-speaking tasks before and after the brain stimulation. Participants will complete an online survey about 24 hours before coming to the clinic. The clinic visit will last about 3 hours and will include three phases. All parts of the study will be audio-recorded. 1. Pre-Testing: Participants will first complete a stuttering evaluation to determine whether they are typical speakers or have a mild, moderate, or severe stutter. Then, they will do several speaking and non-speaking tasks. 2. Brain Stimulation: Participants will receive a session of targeted noninvasive brain stimulation (HD-tDCS). 3. Post-Testing: After the brain stimulation, participants will repeat the same evaluation and tasks they completed during pre-testing. Brain stimulation description: HD-tDCS is a non-invasive technique that requires the placement of several sensors (metal electrodes) on a special cap and saline gel on your head. Very low levels of constant electrical current are delivered to specifically targeted areas of the brain via these electrodes. You may experience a slight feeling of dizziness when starting the stimulation. This occurs in a small number of subjects. This takes only a few seconds and does not affect balance after the stimulation has been completed. Several research centers have previously investigated the use of this device on healthy subjects and have found the device to be safe with no direct effect on the person's well-being. Following stimulation, participants will have the opportunity to rinse out residual gel from hair and scalp.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Callier Clinical Research Center — Richardson, Texas
Age range: 22 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Callier Clinical Research Center — Richardson, Texas
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (817) 718-7301
Email: Christine.abasi@utdallas.edu
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Stuttering
- Effects of Psilocybin on Speech Fluency, Struggle, and Brain Activity in People Who Stutter — New York, New York
- Noninvasive Thalamocortical Neuromodulation With Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound for Persistent Developmental Stuttering — Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Exploring the Nature, Assessment and Treatment of Stuttering — Austin, Texas
- Stuttering and Neuromodulation — New York, New York
- The Development of Stuttering in Young Children — East Lansing, Michigan
Explore by condition: All Stuttering clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.