What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

One of the key treatments for aphasia, particularly highlighted in the context of the 'Speaking in Unison' study, involves speech alignment techniques. This method works by having patients speak in unison with another person, which helps improve their speech fluency. The mechanism behind this involves the synchronization of speech patterns, which can enhance the timing and rhythm of the patient's speech. This is significant for aphasia patients as it can lead to improved communication abilities, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life and social interactions.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for aphasia, such as speech therapy techniques including 'Speaking in Unison' or other speech alignment methods, generally have minimal physical side effects. However, patients may experience frustration or emotional distress due to the challenges of communication. Intensive speech therapy can also lead to mental fatigue. It is important for patients to work closely with their therapists to manage these potential emotional and cognitive impacts.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

There are no specific FDA-approved drugs mentioned for the treatment of aphasia in the provided context. The 'Speaking in Unison' trial focuses on speech alignment techniques, which are part of various treatment approaches for aphasia. These techniques aim to improve fluency by having patients speak in unison with another person. While this method is being studied, it is not yet an FDA-approved treatment. Generally, aphasia treatment involves speech and language therapy, which may include various exercises and techniques to improve communication skills.

What other types of research exist?

Promising novel alternatives to Speaking in Unison for aphasia patients include: 1) Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), which has shown potential in enhancing language recovery by modulating neural activity. 2) Virtual Reality (VR)-based speech therapy, which provides immersive and interactive environments for practicing speech. 3) Computerized Script Training, which uses technology to help patients practice and improve their speech through repetitive and structured exercises. 4) Intensive Language Action Therapy (ILAT), also known as Constraint-Induced Aphasia Therapy (CIAT), which focuses on intensive practice and use of verbal communication.

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Unison Speech Therapy for Aphasia

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Lauryn Zipse, PhD

Research Sponsored by MGH Institute of Health Professions

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Controls must report no history of speech, language, neurological disorders, or stroke

People with aphasia must be at least 6-months post-stroke, and aphasia must be due to stroke

Must not have

Inadequate cognitive ability to understand and remember task: fail cognition screening (different measures for controls and people with aphasia)

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 1 day study visit

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial investigates if speaking in unison with another person can help people with aphasia improve their speech. The study focuses on individuals who have difficulty speaking due to stroke. It aims to understand if aligning their speech timing with another speaker can make it easier for them to predict and plan their own speech.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for native American English speakers who have aphasia or apraxia due to a stroke at least 6 months ago. Controls with no history of speech, language disorders, neurological disorders, or stroke can also join. Participants must pass hearing, cognition, and auditory comprehension screenings.

What is being tested?

The study explores the effectiveness of speaking in unison as a treatment for aphasia and apraxia. It aims to identify which aspects of speech improve when patients speak together with someone else and investigates how well their speech aligns with the other speaker.

What are the potential side effects?

There are no direct physical side effects from participating in this trial since it involves non-medical interventions such as speaking exercises. However, participants may experience fatigue or frustration during the tasks.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I have never had speech, language, neurological disorders, or a stroke.

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I have had aphasia for over 6 months due to a stroke.

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I was a native American English speaker before my stroke.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I failed a test that measures my thinking and memory skills.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 1 day study visit

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~1 day study visit

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 1 day study visit for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Percent syllables correct

Secondary study objectives

Mean syllable offset from model

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: InterventionExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

All participants will repeat sentences under four speech conditions, in a 2x2 design

Treatment

First Studied

Drug Approval Stage

How many patients have taken this drug

Unison speech (vs. solo)

2018

N/A

~80

0 / 4Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

One of the key treatments for aphasia, particularly highlighted in the context of the 'Speaking in Unison' study, involves speech alignment techniques. This method works by having patients speak in unison with another person, which helps improve their speech fluency. The mechanism behind this involves the synchronization of speech patterns, which can enhance the timing and rhythm of the patient's speech. This is significant for aphasia patients as it can lead to improved communication abilities, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life and social interactions.