Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Explore Potential Treatments to Reduce Speech Errors in A… (NCT07354139) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Using Non-invasive Brain Stimulation to Explore Potential Treatments to Reduce Speech Errors in Adults Who Stutter
United States50 participantsStarted 2026-03-17
Plain-language summary
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 participate
Age range
22 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:
* Must be 22 years old or older
* May be bi/multilingual but must speak English as dominant language.
* Must be diagnosed or suspected of developmental stuttering disorder. Participants will be administered the Stuttering Severity Instrument 4 and categorized as typical speakers or mild, moderate, or severe stutterers.
* Must be able to attend the session at the physical location within the clinic
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patients with preexisting speech/language disorders or previously diagnosed neurological disorders (including but not limited to apraxia of speech, cerebral palsy, dysarthria, tourettes, or any other neurological/motor condition) that affect speech/language (except stuttering) are excluded to minimize the interference of atypical brain activity.
* Participants who have acquired or neurogenic stuttering (stuttering resulting from a brain injury) are excluded, as this study focuses exclusively on the effects of developmental stuttering.
* Participants with a history of seizures
* Participants with unexplained episodes of loss of consciousness, since such condition could be related with brain alterations or epilepsy
* Participants with unstable or non controlled neuropsychiatric illness
* Participants having implanted brain medical devices
* Participants with implanted pacemakers
* Participants having any electrically,magnetically or mechanically activated implant
* Participants having cardiac, neural or medication implants
* Participants ha…
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
1
Stuttering Severity Instrument - 4
Timeframe: Measured at singular clinical visit (baseline)
2
Predictive Naming Task
Timeframe: Measured at singular clinical visit (baseline)