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48 active trials for Aphasia

Clinical Feasibility of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation [tDCS] With Standard Aphasia Therapy

Study Design: This is a within-subjects crossover design. Subjects will participate in the procedures twice, once under each condition (active vs. sham stimulation). The order of conditions will be counter-balanced across subjects. Stimulation will target ventral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) and will be paired with standard speech-language therapy. Outcome measures will be acquired at the beginning and end of a semester of standard speech-language therapy, and at follow-up.

Start: August 2017

Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) on Language

This study will investigate the effects of mild electrical stimulation in conjunction with speech therapy for people with post-stroke aphasia to enhance language recovery.

Start: December 2019

Neural Bases of Vocal Sensorimotor Impairment in Aphasia

Aphasia is the most common type of post-stroke communication disorder characterized by deficits in speech comprehension, production and control. While recovery can be promoted with speech therapy, improvement remains modest and typically requires a large number of sessions contributing to rising health care costs. Traditional aphasia therapy focus on enhancing speech motor output; however, recent evidence suggests that the auditory feedback also plays a critical role in fluent speech. Therefore, a key step toward refining treatment strategies is to develop objective biomarkers that can probe the integrity of sensorimotor mechanisms of speech auditory feedback and identify their impaired function in patients with post-stroke aphasia. This study aims to examine the behavioral, neurophysiological (EEG), and neuroimaging (fMRI) biomarkers of speech impairment following stroke with focus on understanding the role of auditory feedback for speech production and control. We plan to test individuals with post-stroke aphasia and a matched neuroptypical control group during different speech production tasks under the altered auditory feedback paradigm. In addition, we aim to examine the effect of audio-visual feedback training on enhancing communication ability during speech. These biomarkers will be combined with existing lesion-symptom-mapping data in the aphasic group in order to identify the patterns of brain damage and diminished structural connectivity within the auditory-motor areas of the left hemisphere that predict impaired sensorimotor processing of speech in aphasia. The long-term goal of this research is to develop a model for identifying the source of sensorimotor deficit and improve diagnosis and targeted treatment of speech disorders in aphasia.

Start: September 2021

rTMS in Aphasic Patients With Neuroimage Assessments

The refinement of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has highlighted its merit in terms of learning programs as a treatment for aftereffect augmentation. Nevertheless, the efficacy of synchronous rTMS protocol integrated with computer-integrated speech training is not well understood. It is also not clear regarding the efficacy of compound bi-hemispheric stimulation protocol. The aim of the study is to investigate language response to these new strategies and to determine the longevity of the therapeutic outcome. Advanced MR neuroimaging techniques, such as fMRI and DTI, are powerful tools to evaluate the concomitant nervous changes after rTMS treatment on aphasic patients. The knowledge from fMRI and DTI microstructural evolution provides insight into underlined mechanism operating the language improvement.

Start: February 2017

Analysis of Brain Activity to Uncover Brain-behavior Relationships Related to Therapy Outcomes in Aphasia

Aphasia is a loss of language due to stroke or other brain injury. Word-finding in conversation is a universal and persistent difficulty in aphasia. While several techniques exist to improve word-finding in aphasia, it is unclear how the brain changes in response to behavioral therapy. In this study, persons with aphasia will receive behavioral therapy aimed at helping them to be more successful at finding words. Twenty therapy sessions will be provided in a 10-week period. Each therapy session will last about 2 hours and will include a variety of language tasks. Prior to beginning word-finding therapy, each participant will receive two fMRI scans, spaced 10 weeks apart. After finishing therapy, each participant will receive two additional fMRI scans, spaced 10 weeks apart. For a portion of the MRI scan, participants will complete language tasks. The purpose of these fMRI scans is to measure brain changes that may occur due to successful behavioral therapy. The hypotheses are as follows: First, that the behavioral therapy will improve word-finding as it has been shown to do in the past. Second, that the brain will change in a couple of different ways. It is expected that the network of regions that support word-finding will be more connected and work together more efficiently after therapy. It is also expected that the networks of regions that support other aspects of cognitive function, such as attention and executive function, will also be more connected and work together more efficiently.

Start: September 2018

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) and Cognitive Processing

This research is being done to determine whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can improve certain mental abilities. In this research, battery powered device is used to deliver very weak electrical current to the surface of the scalp while participants complete cognitive tasks. Our aim is to find out whether tDCS will improve task performance in both healthy adults and those with neurological impairment.

Start: January 2009

Voice Adaptive Tablet-Based Naming Treatment for Adults With Aphasia

Rising life expectancy is leading to a rising incidence of strokes worldwide. Approximately one third of people who had a stroke live with a communication disorder, aphasia, which is associated with the largest negative relationship to quality of life. In chronic stages, people with aphasia (PwA) often do not receive any rehabilitation, despite treatment being shown to significantly reduce impairment. In contrast to existing computerized aphasia treatment, VoiceAdapt is an innovative and motivating application for PwA that provides adaptive and context-aware training lessons via speech interaction on the mobile device. A user-centred design process and motivational gamification ensure long-term engagement in training. Through providing an autonomously usable and low-cost tool, VoiceAdapt will positively affect PwA's self-esteem and social inclusion, leading to higher quality of life.

Start: October 2020

The Effect of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation and Speech Language Therapy to Improve Language Functioning in Arabic Speakers With Aphasia Post-Stroke

The current planned study is a prospective randomized double-blind, sham-controlled, two parallel-groups, polycentric, phase-I superiority type of trial. Right-handed native Arabic-speaking patients with chronic aphasia post-stroke will be recruited from multiple in and outpatient rehabilitation centers in Saudi Arabia. All participants with aphasia that exceeds at least six months post onset with deficits in naming skills due to ischemic lesion or haemorrhage in the left cerebral hemisphere will be included. All participants will complete three consecutive phases: (i) baseline assessment, (ii) interventions (Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) with real tDCS or sham tDCS, and (iii) outcome testing (GACAT test). The primary hypothesis predicts improvement in naming ability (object naming and action verb naming) and word fluency by combining SLT with anodal-tDCS (intervention group) compared to SLT combined with sham-tDCS (control group). Primary endpoint will be a 6-month follow-up, at which will be expected to show the effects of improvement in the language impairments. The secondary hypothesis predicts that anodal-tDCS will yield beneficial results in secondary outcomes measures compared to sham-tDCS. Secondary endpoint will be immediately post-treatment and a 12-month follow-up, and it will examine the consistency effect of long-term outcomes.

Start: February 2021

Speech Entrainment for Aphasia Recovery

After a stroke, many people experience a language impairment called aphasia. One of the most debilitating types of aphasia is non-fluent aphasia. Non-fluent aphasia is defined by significantly reduced speech production, with the speaker producing only a few words or even less. Speech entrainment therapy (SET) is a treatment that has been shown to increase fluency in people with non-fluent aphasia. The study looks to define the best dose of SET that leads to sustained improvements in spontaneous speech production. Participants who are eligible will undergo baseline language testing, an MRI, and will be randomized into one of 4 treatment groups: SET for 3 weeks, SET for 4.5 weeks, SET for 6 weeks, and no treatment (control group).

Start: August 2020

Speech Therapy and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Therapy in Post-stroke Anomic Aphasia

The aim of the study is to observe the effects of speech therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in patients who develop anomic aphasia after stroke. Patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be randomly divided into groups. In the repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) treatment group, a total of 10 sessions, 1 session per day, will be applied to the right inferior frontal gyrus area with a frequency of 1 Hz for 20 minutes. The control group patients will be given speech therapy in the same way, but no active magnetic stimulation will be given in rTMS sessions (sham application). Speech therapy will be given to each patient by the same physiotherapist, and the treatment will last a total of 10 days, 60 minutes a day. Minimental test (MMT), Ege aphasia test, aphasia quality of life scale (SAQOL-39) will be filled in to the patients before and after the treatment.

Start: November 2020

Changes in Neuroplasticity Following Intensive Rehabilitation of Aphasia and/or Apraxia of Speech

The present study aims to investigate the short- and long-term effects of two weeks of intensive speech-language pathology intervention with additional physiotherapy, on aphasia and apraxia of speech (AOS) and their neural correlates in thirty persons with chronic stroke. Changes are studied following intensive treatment of aphasia and AOS with standardised speech-language testing and testing of communication and with voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis and resting state functional connectivity (rsFC).

Start: February 2017

Circuitry Assessment and Reinforcement Training Effects on Recovery

This study investigates if electroencephalography (EEG) neurofeedback training is more beneficial than sham feedback training for the improvement of communication, anxiety, and sleep quality in individuals with aphasia. Half of the participants will receive active EEG neurofeedback sessions first, followed by sham feedback sessions in a crossover design. The other half of participants will undergo sham feedback sessions first, followed by active neurofeedback.

Start: September 2020

Digital Interventions in Neurorehabilitation: iTALKbetter

iTALKBetter will provide an app-based therapy for people with word retrieval difficulties who have had a stroke. This study aims to test the therapy application for people with naming difficulties through a small scale randomized controlled trial.

Start: October 2019

Effects of rTMS Based on Hemodynamic Activity for Language Recovery in Early Poststroke Aphasia

The aim of this study is to assess the safety and clinical efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) based on hemodynamic brain activity pattern with functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) in early poststroke nonfluent aphasia patients.

Start: November 2015

Aerobic Exercise and Aphasia Treatment

The purpose of the study is to determine if speech therapy can be enhanced by Aerobic Exercise (AE). Investigators will use a single subject design to determine if aphasia therapy result in greater gains when combined with aerobic exercise.

Start: December 2016

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) With Verb Network Strengthening Treatment (VNeST) in Chronic Aphasia

The purpose of this study is to assess changes in language abilities of participants with chronic, post-stroke aphasia following an 8-week therapy period combined with brain stimulation. The investigators use a stimulation method called transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). The investigators cover two electrodes in damp sponges, place them on the scalp, and pass a weak electrical current between them. Some of this current passes through the brain and can change brain activity. One electrode is placed over language areas a bit above and in front of the left ear. The other is placed on the forehead above the right eye. Stimulation is provided twice a week for 8 weeks during aphasia therapy. The investigators believe that this stimulation may increase the effectiveness of therapy.

Start: February 2021

Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) in Subacute Aphasia

This study will assess the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on language recovery after stroke as well as healthy language functions.

Start: October 2020

The Impact of Virtual Reality on the Emotional State of Patients With Aphasia During Rehabilitation.

The aim of the study is to determine virtual reality (VR) impact during standard program of rehabilitation on emotional state of patients with aphasia.

Start: August 2020

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation to Enhance Training Effectiveness in Chronic Post-Stroke Aphasia

The aim of the study is to investigate whether intensive speech-language therapy (SLT) combined with anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) leads to better communication performance than SLT combined with placebo stimulation (using sham-tDCS).

Start: December 2019

Finding the Right Words in Neurogenic Communication Disorders

Every year thousands of persons suffer from brain damage resulting in anomia, that is, word finding difficulties affecting their ability to talk to other people. Anomia may be a result of stroke or of progressive neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis (MS). Word retrieval is dependent on a complex system of different neural networks and to name objects and activities can be affected to different degrees. The present project explores different aspects of naming ability in altogether 90 persons that has anomia related to stroke or to Parkinson's disease or MS. Furthermore, the communicative strategies and resources used by conversation partners in everyday conversational interaction and in care situations, affected by anomia are studied. Finally, the project includes a study of the effectiveness of a word finding training program based on stimulation of semantic and phonological networks in the brain, involved in the production of words. There is a lack of research on effects on communication from anomia in Parkinson's disease and MS and there is no research on anomia that investigates both object and action naming using a material adapted to the Swedish language. In the project quantitative and qualitative methods are used to explore and describe how persons with different neurogenic communication disorders can use different resources and communicative strategies to express themselves.

Start: January 2016