Sound waves aim to ease stuttering in early trial
NCT ID NCT07668882
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Sep 16, 2026 · Updated 6 times
Summary
This study tests whether low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU), a gentle sound wave technique, can safely improve speech fluency in people who stutter. Twenty adults who stutter will receive LIFU or a sham treatment, and researchers will measure changes in stuttering severity and brain activity. It is an early safety trial, not a proven treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a noninvasive, drug-free way to temporarily reduce stuttering.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small safety study with only 20 people. It may not show clear benefits, and any effects might be short-lived.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Aug 2026
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * have normal language, hearing and cognition * speak English as their primary language * currently stutter * score at least 10 (very mild) on the Stuttering Severity Instrument (SSI-4) or exhibit greater than 3% stuttered syllables during at least one of the first 3 speech samples * have not receive any treatment for stuttering within the past year Exclusion Criteria: * 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 * Braids or other hair styling that prevents direct access to the scalp (if removal not possible) * Current or planned pregnancy * Any active, unstable, or inadequately treated psychiatric condition, including but not limited to psychosis, active major depressive episode, bipolar disorder with recent mood episode, or current suicidal ideation. * Current use of antipsychotic medications for treatment of a primary psychotic disorder or bipolar disorder; current use of mood stabilizers (e.g., lithium, valproate) or benzodiazepines. Low-dose adjunctive use of atypical antipsychotics (e.g., brexpiprazole, aripiprazole, quetiapine) for treatment-resistant depression or anxiety is not exclusionary if the participant's condition is stable per the existing ≥2-month stability criterion. * Any condition or medication that lowers seizure threshold, consistent with standard practice across non-invasive brain stimulation protocols. Note: participants who cannot undergo MRI may complete the other portions of the study. For participants who cannot undergo MRI can be targeted for LIFU stimulation using a standard T1 scan. Resting state fMRI measures taken before and after stimulation will also be omitted for these cases. But the behavioral and speech measures can still be completed to provide pre and post-stimulation variations.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan
RECRUITINGAnn Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Magic mushroom compound could help people who stutter
- Brain zaps + speech therapy: new hope for stuttering?
- Can rhythm tasks unlock secrets of childhood stuttering?