RecruitingNot Applicable

Enhancing Letter-Speech Sound Learning and Reading Network Activation With Transcranial Electrical Stimulation

Switzerland60 participantsStarted 2026-04-23

Plain-language summary

This study investigates the effects of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) on the brain and its potential to enhance reading-related learning. Adult participants with a range of reading abilities will receive transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) while they perform an artificial orthography learning task. This task simulates letter-speech sound learning, an important first step during reading acquisition known to be impaired in individuals with developmental dyslexia. The effects of the intervention will be assessed using both behavioral measures and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 35 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: * Age 18-35 * All genders * Written informed consent by the participant * German speaking (native) * Right-handed Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnoses of neurological disorders, intellectual disabilities, or psychiatric disorders (We do not exclude participants with common comorbidities of dyslexia, specifically dyscalculia, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or Autism Spectrum Disorders) * History of any acquired brain damage or evidence of fetal alcohol syndrome * Hearing problems and vision problems that cannot be corrected * Inability to follow procedures or understand the instructions given in (Swiss-)German * Current use of psychoactive medications or substances, or a history of substance abuse that may affect brain function, performance or MRI signal quality * A nonverbal IQ \< 80 * Having previously participated in a transcranial electrical stimulation study * Knowledge to read or write in a language using foreign letters (i.e., different from the Latin alphabet) * Contraindications to brain stimulation or MRI, such as: History of epilepsy or severe migraine; Skull breach such as craniotomy; Wearing neurostimulators or cardiac pacemakers; Wearing hearing aid devices or cochlear implants, which are not MR safe; Having metal pieces in their body (e.g., piercings that cannot be removed and contain metal, screws or plates from surgical operations, wounds from metal splinters or similar); Claustrophobia or problems lying in the scanner (e.g., pain,…

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

Performance in the artificial orthography learning task

Timeframe: At second session, up to 8 weeks after baseline

fMRI activation and connectivity during print processing

Timeframe: At baseline (Session 1) and at second session, up to 8 weeks after baseline

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07546292

SponsorSilvia Brem

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-06

Contact for this trial

Silvia Brem, Prof. Dr.

+41 (0)58 384 67 11 silvia.brem@kjpd.uzh.ch

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dyslexia, Developmental trials