Actively Recruiting
Improving Neural Oscillation and Synchrony Between Motor and Auditory Regions in Stuttering Using Personalized Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)
Led by University of Michigan · Updated on 2025-09-12
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying how mild, noninvasive electrical brain stimulation called transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) affects brain areas involved in speech. The study focuses on adults who stutter, aiming to see if this stimulation can improve speech fluency and brain activity related to speaking. The goal is to explore the potential of tACS as a therapy for stuttering by enhancing communication between brain regions. Participants will undergo screening and baseline assessments including speech, language, hearing tests, memory evaluations, brain scans (MRI and EEG), and questionnaires. Then, they will receive three sessions of tACS, which may be active or sham (placebo-like), with the stimulation delivered via electrodes placed on the scalp for 20 minutes per session. After the sessions, there will be a one-month follow-up conducted by phone or video. Throughout the study, participants will provide speech samples to measure stuttering, and brain activity will be monitored before and after tACS sessions. The main outcome measured is change in synchronization between motor and auditory brain regions. Safety and speech fluency will also be assessed. The entire trial spans screening, treatment sessions, and follow-up, with careful monitoring of brain signals and speech performance.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) in Stuttering
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Have normal language, hearing, and cognition
- Speak English as the primary language
- Currently stutter
- Score a certain value on the Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-4) per protocol
- Have not received any treatment for stuttering within the past year
You will not qualify if you...
- History of seizures
- Major medical or neurological illness such as stroke, serious head trauma, brain infection, or Parkinson's disease
- History of closed head injury with loss of consciousness
- Metal or electronic implants such as cochlear implants and pacemakers anywhere in the body
- Braids or other hair styling that prevents direct access to the scalp if removal is not possible
- Currently pregnant
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete standardized tests of speech, language, hearing, working memory, music training questionnaire, speech sample to characterize stuttering, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG).
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 3 sessions over several days
Participants undergo 3 sessions of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), where electrodes are placed on the scalp to deliver weak electrical currents targeting speech-related brain areas for 20 minutes each session. Sessions include both active and sham stimulation in a randomized order.
3 visits (in-person)
Duration - 1 month
Participants have a follow-up phone or video call approximately one month after the last stimulation session to assess outcomes and safety.
1 phone or video call
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48109
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Soo-Eun Chang, PhD
E
Emily Garnett, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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