ReaDySpeech for people with dysarthria after stroke: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Dysarthria, a speech disorder post-stroke, significantly impacts communication and recovery.
• Current dysarthria rehabilitation varies in effectiveness due to limited evidence.
• An online program, ReaDySpeech, shows promise for enhancing speech therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of conducting a Phase III trial for the ReaDySpeech intervention.
• To assess key trial metrics including recruitment, adherence, and outcome measure acceptability.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled feasibility trial recruiting at least 36 post-stroke dysarthria patients.
• Participants allocated 2:1 to ReaDySpeech plus usual care or usual care alone.
• Single-blinded design with outcome assessors unaware of treatment allocation.

Main Results:

• This section is for results, which are not available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• The study will determine the feasibility of a larger Phase III trial for ReaDySpeech.
• Findings will inform the design and implementation of future large-scale clinical trials for post-stroke dysarthria.