[Systematic review of delayed auditory feedback effectiveness for stuttering reduction].

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Auditory neuroscience
• Clinical research methodology

Background:

• Stuttering is a complex speech disorder affecting fluency.
• Altered auditory feedback (AAF) technologies, including delayed auditory feedback (DAF) and frequency-altered feedback (FAF), are explored as potential interventions.
• Evidence for AAF's efficacy in stuttering management remains inconclusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing research on the impact of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) on speech fluency in individuals who stutter.
• To evaluate the current evidence base for AAF devices in stuttering treatment.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed database, adhering to Cochrane Handbook principles.
• Studies were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on DAF and FAF in stuttering populations.
• Data analysis considered research indicators and study quality markers.

Main Results:

• Current evidence does not robustly support the widespread applicability of AAF devices for reducing stuttering events.
• Significant methodological variability across studies hinders the ability to establish a consistent trend or definitive answer regarding device effectiveness.
• Inconclusive findings suggest a need for further investigation into AAF's role in stuttering therapy.

Conclusions:

• Limitations identified in current studies prevent broad generalizations about the effectiveness of AAF devices for stuttering reduction.
• These methodological limitations offer valuable insights for designing future, more rigorous research in this area.
• Further high-quality research is warranted to clarify the therapeutic potential of AAF for individuals who stutter.