A Proof-of-Concept Study of Gamified Rhythmic Training in Preadolescents Who Stutter

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Stuttering is a developmental speech disorder associated with timing deficits in motor control.
• Rhythmic timing and speech production share neural mechanisms, suggesting rhythm-based interventions could benefit stuttering.
• Gamified interventions offer engaging platforms for therapeutic training.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a gamified rhythmic training program called Rhythm Workers (RW).
• To assess the impact of RW on rhythmic, cognitive, and speech-related abilities in preadolescents who stutter.
• To explore the relationship between training dose and outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A proof-of-concept study involving 21 preadolescents (aged 9-12) who stutter.
• Random assignment to either the Rhythm Workers (RW) game or an active control game for 3 weeks of home-based play.
• Assessment of feasibility, compliance, rhythmic synchronization, interference control, oromotor performance, and speech fluency.

Main Results:

• Both games were well-accepted with moderate to high compliance.
• Participants using the RW game demonstrated improvements in rhythmic synchronization, oromotor performance, and reduced stuttering.
• Improvements in speech fluency correlated with enhanced rhythmic performance.
• A dose-response relationship was observed for most improvements.

Conclusions:

• Rhythmic gaming, specifically the Rhythm Workers program, is a feasible and promising intervention for preadolescents who stutter.
• Rhythm-based training can positively impact speech fluency, rhythmic abilities, and cognitive functions.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is warranted to confirm statistical significance and explore long-term effects.