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

Stuttering is a developmental speech fluency disorder linked to timing deficits in speech motor control. Given the shared neural mechanisms between rhythmic timing and speech production, rhythm-based interventions may hold promise for stuttering. This proof-of-concept study evaluated the feasibility and potential benefits of a gamified rhythmic training program, Rhythm Workers (RW), in preadolescents who stutter. Twenty-one children (aged 9-12) were randomly assigned to RW or an active control game, which they played at home for 3 weeks. We assessed feasibility and potential training effects on rhythmic, cognitive, and speech-related abilities. Both games were well accepted, and compliance was moderate to high. Only participants trained on the rhythm game showed moderate enhancements in rhythmic synchronization, interference control, oromotor performance, and reduction of stuttering after training. The improvements (except for interference control) correlated with the training dose. Moreover, speech fluency gains were associated with improved rhythmic performance. While some effects did not reach statistical significance due to the limited sample size, the observed dose-response patterns and domain-specific improvements support the feasibility and promise of rhythmic gaming for young people who stutter. This study provides preliminary evidence that rhythm-based training can enhance speech and cognitive outcomes in preadolescents who stutter.