Contribution of the Somatosensory System to Speech Perceptual Processing

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
These studies test the hypothesis that the repeated pairing of somatosensory inputs with speech sounds, such as occurs during speech motor learning, results in changes to the perceptual classification of speech sounds.

Detailed Description
-----------------
This study will assess changes to the perceptual classification of speech sounds that are related to repeated pairing of somatosensory and auditory inputs (as would occur during speech motor learning). Before and after the training, base-line and post-training auditory perceptual performance will be examined in the absence of somatosensory stimulation, in order to evaluate the effects of the pairing on speech perception. Perceptual classification and speech motor learning will both be assessed on a 0 to 100 scale.

Official Title
-----------------
Contribution of the Somatosensory System to Speech Perceptual Processing Aim 3

Conditions
-----------------
Speech, Consolidation

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Adaptation
* Behavioral: Facial Skin Stretch


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: right handed adults no known physical or neurological abnormalities Exclusion Criteria: patients with: cardiac pacemaker surgical clips or values on the heart implants metal or metallic fragments in any part of the body pregnancy claustrophobia a personal or family history of epilepsy currently taking antipsychotic drugs currently taking antidepressant drugs currently taking antianxiety drugs.

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 40 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Adaptation to Altered Auditory Feedback<br>Adaptation to Altered Auditory Feedback | Behavioral: Adaptation<br>* Sensorimotor adaptation in speech<br>|
| Experimental: Adaptation to Altered Auditory Feedback + Forward Skin Stretch<br>Adaptation to Altered Auditory Feedback + Forward Skin Stretch | Behavioral: Adaptation<br>* Sensorimotor adaptation in speech<br>Behavioral: Facial Skin Stretch<br>* Facial skin stretch<br>|
| Experimental: Adaptation to Altered Auditory Feedback + Backward Skin Stretch<br>Adaptation to Altered Auditory Feedback + Backward Skin Stretch | Behavioral: Adaptation<br>* Sensorimotor adaptation in speech<br>Behavioral: Facial Skin Stretch<br>* Facial skin stretch<br>|
| Experimental: Speech Repetition Control<br>Speech Repetition Control | Behavioral: Adaptation<br>* Sensorimotor adaptation in speech<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Speech Motor Learning | Learning is assessed as the change in speech sounds (speech formant frequencies) on a 0 to 100 scale. | Performance as measured at the end of learning (30 minute session) | 
| Speech Perception | Auditory speech perception evaluates auditory classification and is assessed on a 0 to 100 scale. All conditions of skin stretch involve the same speech perception task. | Perception is evaluated prior to and after perceptual training (30 minute session) |