Study of Brain Network Changes Using Vibrotactile Stimulation in Adults with Laryngeal Dystonia

What this Trial Is About

Laryngeal dystonia LD is a condition causing involuntary spasms in the muscles of the voice box, which affects speech production. Researchers are studying the effects of non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation VTS applied to the laryngeal area to understand its impact on voice and speech in people with LD. The study also aims to explore how VTS changes brain activity by using magnetic resonance imaging MRI to observe resting-state brain networks. Participants will receive about 20 minutes of VTS using a vibrating device on the laryngeal area in a controlled laboratory setting. Each participant will undergo two MRI scans, one before and one after VTS, to observe any changes in brain network activity. The entire testing session, including VTS and both MRI scans, will take approximately 4 hours and will be conducted at the University of Minnesota Center for Magnetic Resonance Research. During the study visit, participants will be monitored as they receive VTS and complete MRI scans. Researchers will assess changes in brain resting-state connectivity as the primary outcome. Additionally, voice and speech parameters such as voice quality, perceived speech effort, and voice handicap will be measured shortly after VTS. Participants may need to travel to the study site and should expect a single visit lasting several hours for testing.

Brain Network Changes After Vibro-tactile Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia