CompletedNot Applicable

Investigating Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Enhance Fluency in People Who Stutter

United Kingdom43 participantsStarted 2017-11-15

Plain-language summary

This study aims to test whether the application of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) concurrent with fluency training results in improvements in speech fluency in adults with developmental stuttering, measured up to three months after the intervention.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

MALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study. * Diagnosed with developmental stuttering of mild-moderate or greater severity * Native speaker of English * Normal or corrected-to-normal vision * Normal hearing Exclusion Criteria: * Speech, language or communication disorder other than developmental stuttering. * Contraindication to brain stimulation (tDCS or TMS) * Contraindication to MRI * History of drug abuse * History of a neurological or psychiatric illness * Any previous neurosurgical procedures * Taking prescription or over-the-counter medication that may affect brain function (for example, anti-depressants) * Family history of epilepsy (first degree relative) * Severe claustrophobia (as they may be unable to tolerate scanner)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-4) Score

Timeframe: 1 week, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the end of the 5-day intervention

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03335722

SponsorUniversity of Oxford

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2020-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stuttering, Developmental trials