Speech-motor behavioral testing

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

+2 other locations

Overseen by Ben Parrell, Ph.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study will investigate the how the cerebellum is involved in speech motor learning over time and short-term corrections in patients with cerebellar ataxia and healthy controls. This will be accomplished through three approaches: behavioral studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). During behavioral studies, participants will be asked to speak into a microphone while their voice is played back over earphones, and to do other speaking tasks. MRI will be acquired to perform a detailed analysis on brain function and anatomy related to speech and the cerebellum. In healthy controls, TMS will also be performed to temporarily disrupt the cerebellum before, during, or after the participant performs speaking tasks. Patients with cerebellar ataxia and healthy volunteers will be asked to complete behavioral studies and/or MRI; healthy volunteers may be asked to additionally participate in TMS.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for people with cerebellar ataxia who have normal hearing and speak American English, or healthy individuals without physical/neurological issues. Participants must not have seizures, metal implants, heart disease, be pregnant, use hearing aids, or suffer from psychiatric illnesses unrelated to cerebellar damage.

Inclusion Criteria

For some studies, primary language of American English may be required

You have a condition called cerebellar ataxia that affects your balance and coordination and you have no hearing problems, OR you are a healthy person with no history of physical or neurological problems and have normal speech, hearing, and reading abilities.

Exclusion Criteria

Ongoing seizures that are not well controlled despite medication

Any contraindications to participating in a TMS study including the following: epilepsy, use of certain medications, heart disease, and pregnancy; scalp wounds or infections; any other contraindication discovered during screening procedures

Any condition that would prevent the subject from giving voluntary informed consent

Treatment Details

Interventions

• MRI (Diagnostic Test)
• Speech-motor behavioral testing (Behavioural Intervention)
• TMS (Device)

Trial Overview The study examines the cerebellum's role in speech by using behavioral tests where participants talk into a mic with voice feedback. MRI scans analyze brain function and anatomy related to speech. In healthy subjects only, TMS disrupts cerebellum activity during speaking tasks.

Participant Groups

Group I: Patients with cerebellar ataxia (CA) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Behavioral testing including various speaking tasks Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Group II: Additional healthy volunteers Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Behavioral testing including various speaking tasks Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)

Group III: Matched controls Active Control 2 Interventions

Behavioral testing including various speaking tasks Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Find a Clinic Near You

Research Locations Nearby Select from list below to view details:

University of California, San Francisco San Francisco, CA

University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA

University of Wisconsin--Madison Madison, WI

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of California, San Francisco Lead Sponsor

University of Wisconsin, Madison Collaborator

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) Collaborator

University of California, Berkeley Collaborator

References