Contribution of the Somatosensory System to Speech Perceptual Processing

Not Applicable

Recruiting

• Conditions: Consolidation; Speech

• Registration Number: NCT04818021
• Lead Sponsor: Yale University

Brief Summary

These studies test the hypothesis that the repeated pairing of somatosensory inputs with speech sounds, such as occurs during speech motor learning, results in changes to the perceptual classification of speech sounds.

Detailed Description

This study will assess changes to the perceptual classification of speech sounds that are related to repeated pairing of somatosensory and auditory inputs (as would occur during speech motor learning). Before and after the training, base-line and post-training auditory perceptual performance will be examined in the absence of somatosensory stimulation, in order to evaluate the effects of the pairing on speech perception. Perceptual classification and speech motor learning will both be assessed on a 0 to 100 scale.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2019-08-01
• Study First Submitted: 2021-03-19
• Study First Submitted QC: 2021-03-23
• Study First Posted: 2021-03-26
• Status Verified: 2025-02
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-02-07
• Last Update Posted: 2025-02-10
• Primary Completion: 2026-07-31
• Study Completion: 2026-07-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 160

Inclusion Criteria

• right handed adults
• no known physical or neurological abnormalities

Exclusion Criteria

• patients with:
• cardiac pacemaker
• surgical clips or values on the heart
• implants
• metal or metallic fragments in any part of the body
• pregnancy
• claustrophobia
• a personal or family history of epilepsy
• currently taking antipsychotic drugs
• currently taking antidepressant drugs
• currently taking antianxiety drugs.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Speech Motor Learning	Performance as measured at the end of learning (30 minute session)	Learning is assessed as the change in speech sounds (speech formant frequencies) on a 0 to 100 scale.
Speech Perception	Perception is evaluated prior to and after perceptual training (30 minute session)	Auditory speech perception evaluates auditory classification and is assessed on a 0 to 100 scale. All conditions of skin stretch involve the same speech perception task.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

McGill University; 🇨🇦 Montréal, Quebec, Canada