Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS) in Stuttering
Improving Neural Oscillation and Synchrony Between Motor and Auditory Regions in Stuttering Using Personalized Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation (tACS)
University of Michigan
80 participants
Aug 5, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
The purpose of this study is to investigate how mild, noninvasive electrical brain stimulation affects speech relevant brain areas, which may in turn affect speech fluency and speaking-related brain activity in people that stutter. The long-term goal of this study is to test the therapeutic potential of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) for the treatment of stuttering. The study team hypothesizes that if stuttering involves impaired initiation of motor programs, delta-tuned tACS will strengthen communication between brain regions and decrease stuttering. Therefore, delta-tuned sensorimotor tACS will be paired with fluency-induced speech (choral reading), which is hypothesized to decrease stuttering via improved auditory motor integration.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria5
- Have normal language, hearing, and cognition
- Speak English as the primary language
- Currently stutter
- Score (per protocol) a certain value on the Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-4).
- Have not received any treatment for stuttering within the past year
Exclusion Criteria6
- History of seizures
- Major medical or neurological illness (e.g., stroke, serious head trauma, brain infection, Parkinson's disease, etc.)
- History of closed head injury with loss of consciousness (e.g., concussion)
- 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 not possible)
- Currently pregnant
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Interventions
During each of the 3 stimulation visits, participants will be seated in a comfortable position and a cap will be placed on participant's head similar to a swimming cap. Small electrodes will be placed near the surface of the scalp at certain regions of interest, and a weak electrical current will be passed through the electrodes into speech related brain areas for 20 minutes. The study team will not use current strengths exceeding 2 milliamps (mA).
Locations(1)
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NCT06740968