Stuttering and Neuromodulation
NYU Langone Health
Summary
The purpose of this study is to collect preliminary data on the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with traditional behavioral techniques to reduce stuttering severity and negative impact in adults who stutter. The study also aims to explore neuroplastic changes (i.e., regional activation and functional connectivity) resulting from combined tDCS + speech therapy.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults aged 18 to 65 years. 2. Diagnosis of developmental stuttering, verified by a licensed speech-language pathologist. 3. Mild-to-moderate or greater stuttering severity, defined as a score of 20 or higher on the Stuttering Severity Instrument-Fourth Edition (SSI-4). 4. English as a primary language. 5. Right-handedness (to minimize variability in neural lateralization). 6. Willing and able to attend all study sessions and follow study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have a history of neurological, psychiatric, or medical conditions that are contraindicated for…
Interventions
- DeviceSoterix Medical 1x1 tDCS system
Stimulation (2.0 mA for 30 minutes) will occur during speech therapy sessions focused on practicing speech techniques. Sham stimulation will mimic the physical sensation without active current.
- BehavioralSpeech therapy sessions
Each of the ten weekly sessions will begin with 15 minutes of strategy practice, providing participants with the opportunity to rehearse light contact and easy onset techniques prior to the tDCS-enhanced speaking task.
Location
- NYU Langone HealthNew York, New York