Research participation requests are sent to the Stroke Association from external research instituions (e.g. universities and hospitals).
We conduct checks on these before promoting but are not involved in their running. This means we cannot comment on trials and have no affiliation with them.
A research team at the University of Sheffield is carrying out a face-to-face research trial on the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) coupled with traditional speech therapy for the treatment of dysarthria after stroke.
What is the study about?
Dysarthria, also known as slurred, unclear and/or slow speech, is a frequent consequence of stroke. Dysarthria causes an inability to control the muscles used in speech or produce clear and understandable words and sentences.
We aim to investigate how practical and tolerable is the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), a treatment technique involving small electrical currents, to stimulate impaired muscles of the face and neck in long-standing dysarthria as a result of stroke.
We also aim to assess the impact of the NMES intervention coupled with conventional therapy on dysarthria at an impairment, activity and participation level.
What will it Involve?
Individuals with dysarthria post-stroke will receive assessments and therapy by qualified and student speech-language therapists. NMES therapy will be delivered using an FDA-approved medical device (https://www.swallowtherapy.com/).
The study involves a total of 24 sessions clustered in three phases:
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Screening/Pre-treatment phase involving two assessment sessions
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Treatment phase consisting of 20 sessions of treatment delivered across a four-week period (Monday to Friday)
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Post-treatment phase comprising of another two assessment sessions
Who can take part?
We are looking for adults who have had a stroke and:
- a persistent dysarthria lasting for more than 6 months
- functional English language abilities
- are able to travel to the Division of Human Communication Sciences in Sheffield frequently (362 Mushroom Ln, Sheffield S10 2TS)
In certain cases, treatment sessions may also be carried out (full or partly) at your own residence, however, this will need to be decided on a case-by-case basis.
How Can I Register my Interest?
If you are interested in more information or would like to sign up, please contact Mr Pasquale Balzan by email on pbalzan1@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0035699207958.
The deadline for interest is 10th June 2023.