SuspendedNot Applicable

Modifying Unconscious Tongue Movements in Adults With Developmental Stammer.

Stopped: Researcher needing time off

Ireland60 participantsStarted 2020-03-10

Plain-language summary

This is a pilot randomised controlled trial investigating whether using modification of saccadic eye movements can control lateral unconscious tongue positioning and enhance fluency in adults with a confirmed developmental stammer. This study is being conducted as part of an MSc by research qualification at the Institute of Technology Sligo in Ireland with a view to extending to PhD. The setting is home setting with all assessments either taking place at home via video link or in the institute. The study is being conducted in conjunction with the Community Speech and Language Therapist and has attained ethical approval through Sligo University Hospital (SUH) Ethics Committee.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

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: * Adults age \> 18 years. * A diagnosis of confirmed developmental stammer from SALT characterized by stammering on ≥ 3% of syllables. * A proficiency in the English Language. * No diagnosis of any emotional, behavioural, learning or neurological disorder. * Cognitive ability to take part. * Have previously completed a course of outpatient treatment for confirmed developmental stammer. Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years. * Not having completed a traditional intervention for stammer. * This research is not intended to replace current interventions but provide additional possibilities for those adults who have completed a standard programme of intervention and their developmental stammer still persists and a rate of ≥ 3% of syllables

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

Stammering Severity (SSI-4) (Howell et. al. 2011).

Timeframe: 10 minutes.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04310436

SponsorInstitute of Technology, Sligo

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-10

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stammering trials