Actively Recruiting
Functional Neural Network Changes After Vibro-tactile Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2026-03-19
20
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
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.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Brain Network Changes After Vibro-tactile Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 75 years
- Diagnosis of laryngeal dystonia made by a voice disorder specialist and confirmed by study staff
- Healthy adults aged 18 to 75 years with no known neurological or orthopedic deficits affecting speech motor functions for control group
- Ability to travel to the study site for testing
You will not qualify if you...
- Regular use of benzodiazepines
- Cognitive impairment as indicated by a Mini-Mental State Examination score below 27 or Beck Depression Inventory score above 19
- Neurological or musculoskeletal impairments affecting speech motor function, including but not limited to dyskinesia, dystonia, essential tremor, Huntington's disease, multiple system atrophy, muscle tension dysphonia, parkinsonism, progressive supranuclear palsy, spasticity, brain or spinal neoplasms, stroke, traumatic brain injury, intracranial hemorrhage, or multiple sclerosis
- Presence of any bio-implant activated by mechanical, electronic, or magnetic means such as cochlear implants, pacemakers, neurostimulators, or electronic infusion pumps
- Presence of any ferromagnetic bio-implant that could be displaced or damaged, such as aneurysm clips or metallic skull plates
- Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
- Noticeable anxiety or claustrophobia
- Cardiac or circulatory impairments or inability to perspire
- Known conditions requiring emergency medical care
- Diagnosis of psychiatric disorder, substance abuse, neurological or cardiovascular disease, brain tumor, stroke, chemotherapy or immunomodulatory treatment, or radiation affecting the brain
- Non-removable piercings or permanent eyeliner
- History of head injury causing loss of consciousness over 30 minutes or amnesia over 24 hours
- History of traumatic brain injury or metal in the body from medical procedures or injuries
- Professional or academic connection to the principal investigators
- Vulnerable populations including fetuses, neonates, pregnant women, children under 18 years, or prisoners
AI-Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Approximately 4 hours
Participants receive vibro-tactile stimulation (VTS) applied to the laryngeal area using a non-invasive vibrating device in a controlled laboratory setting, with MRI brain scans performed before and after the stimulation to assess brain network changes.
1 visit (in-person) including 2 MRI scans and VTS
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Jürgen Konczak, PhD, Dr. rer. nat. habil.
Y
Yu-ting Tseng, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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