Developmental DyslexiaNCT03119402
Effects of the Combination of RRT With tDCS on Dyslexic Adults
A study testing Rhythmic Reading Training and Transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Developmental Dyslexia, run by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart at 1 site in Italy.
Trial summary
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of Rhythmic Reading Training (RRT), a computer-assisted intervention method that combines sublexical reading exercises with rhythm processing, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on reading abilities of a group of Italian… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Developmental Dyslexia
- What is being tested?
- Rhythmic Reading Training and Transcranial direct current stimulation
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 20 participants
- Where
- 1 siteItaly
- Study dates
- 18 Apr 2017to 4 Apr 2018
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- having been diagnosed with DD (ICD-10 code: F81.0) on the basis of standard inclusion and exclusion criteria (ICD-10: World Health Organization, 1992) and of the diagnosis procedure followed in the Italian practice
Who cannot join
- presence of comorbidity with other neuropsychiatric or psychopathological conditions (whereas comorbidity with other learning disabilities were allowed)
- exclusion criteria for the use of tDCS (e.g. epilepsy, pregnancy).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Alessandro Antonietti, PhD contact
Italy1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
Milan, 20123
Alice Cancer, MD, alice.cancer@unicatt.it
About this study
Official title: Combining A Rhythmic Intervention With tDCS to Improve Reading Skills in Dyslexic Adults
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of Rhythmic Reading Training (RRT), a computer-assisted intervention method that combines sublexical reading exercises with rhythm processing, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on reading abilities of a group of Italian undergraduate students with dyslexia. Two experimental conditions (active vs. sham) will be compared. Finally, the effects of the intervention on other cognitive functions involved in the process of reading (i.e., rapid automatized naming, verbal working memory, rhythm perception abilities) will be measured.
- Conditions
- Developmental Dyslexia
- Being tested
- Rhythmic Reading Training, Transcranial direct current stimulation
- Keywords
- Reading, Developmental Dyslexia, Music, Rhythm, transcranial electrical stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation
- Medical subject headings
- Dyslexia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Rhythmic Reading TrainingBehavioural
Also called RRT
RRT is a computerized reading training program designed for Italian students with dyslexia. The main feature of this intervention is the integration of a traditional remediation approach (sublexical treatment) with rhythm processing. Therefore, all reading exercises are characterized by a rhythmic accompaniment with gradually increasing speed.
Transcranial direct current stimulationDevice
Also called tDCS
tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is a noninvasive weak-current brain stimulation technique that can facilitate (anodal electrode) or inhibit (cathodal electrode) cortical activity, thus offering exciting possibilities for the enhancement and treatment of impaired cognitive abilities.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| RRT + active tDCS | Experimental | Rhythmic Reading Training, administered for 5 hours over 10 days consecutive (30-minute training sessions per day) + simultaneous 20 minutes of active tDCS (1.5 mA, 5x5cm anodal electrode on left parieto-temporal regions and 5x5cm cathodal electrode on right parieto-temporal regions). Receives: Behavioral: Rhythmic Reading Training; Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation |
| RRT + sham tDCS | Sham comparator | Rhythmic Reading Training, administered for 5 hours over 10 days consecutive (30-minute training sessions per day) + simultaneous 20 minutes of sham tDCS (with the same active tDCS setup, current applied for 30 seconds, Receives: Behavioral: Rhythmic Reading Training; Device: Transcranial direct current stimulation |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Text reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds
The ability to read aloud a text was assessed using the Italian standardized test 'Prova di velocità di lettura di brani' (Zoccolotti, Fondazione S. Lucia), which provides speed and accuracy scores in reading aloud age-normed texts.
Measured: 2 weeks
Text reading accuracy expressed in number of errors
The ability to read aloud a text was assessed using the Italian standardized test 'Prova di velocità di lettura di brani' (Zoccolotti, Fondazione S. Lucia), which provides speed and accuracy scores in reading aloud age-normed texts.
Measured: 2 weeks
Word reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds
The ability to read aloud lists of words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 28 words each with different lengths and frequency of use); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 30 words varying according to length: short vs. long and frequency of use: low vs. high frequency).
Measured: 2 weeks
Word reading accuracy expressed in number of errors
The ability to read aloud lists of words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 28 words each with different lengths and frequency of use); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 30 words varying according to length: short vs. long and frequency of use: low vs. high frequency).
Measured: 2 weeks
Pseudo-word reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds
The ability to read aloud lists of pseudo-words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-word reading (2 lists of 16 pseudo-words each with different lengths); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-words reading (2 lists of 30 pseudo-words varying for length: short vs. long).
Measured: 2 weeks
Pseudo-word reading accuracy expressed in number of errors
The ability to read aloud lists of pseudo-words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-word reading (2 lists of 16 pseudo-words each with different lengths); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-words reading (2 lists of 30 pseudo-words varying for length: short vs. long).
Measured: 2 weeks
Secondary outcomes (3)
Rapid Automatized Naming
Rapid Automatized Naming of colours and figures
Measured: 2 weeks
Verbal Working Memory
Onwards and backwards digit span
Measured: 2 weeks
Rhythm Discrimination
Rhythm discrimination task
Measured: 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Apr 2017
- Study start18 Apr 2017
- Primary completion4 Sep 2017
- Study completion4 Apr 2018 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Developmental DyslexiaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Alice Cancer, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03119402
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RRT+tDCS
- Status last verified
- Jan 2018
- First submitted
- 6 Apr 2017
- Last updated
- 25 Jan 2018
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jan 2018. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Combining A Rhythmic Intervention With tDCS to Improve Reading Skills in Dyslexic Adults
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03119402
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RRT+tDCS
- Conditions
- Developmental Dyslexia
- Keywords
- Reading, Developmental Dyslexia, Music, Rhythm, transcranial electrical stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Unknown status
- Enrolment
- 20 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Catholic University of the Sacred HeartUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 18 Apr 2017 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 4 Sep 2017 (actual)
- Study completion
- 4 Apr 2018 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Apr 2017 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of Rhythmic Reading Training (RRT), a computer-assisted intervention method that combines sublexical reading exercises with rhythm processing, and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on reading abilities of a group of Italian undergraduate students with dyslexia. Two experimental conditions (active vs. sham) will be compared. Finally, the effects of the intervention on other cognitive functions involved in the process of reading (i.e., rapid automatized naming, verbal working memory, rhythm perception abilities) will be measured.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| RRT + active tDCS | Experimental | Behavioral: Rhythmic Reading Training, Device: Transcranial direct current stimulationRhythmic Reading Training, administered for 5 hours over 10 days consecutive (30-minute training sessions per day) + simultaneous 20 minutes of active tDCS (1.5 mA, 5x5cm anodal electrode on left parieto-temporal regions and 5x5cm cathodal electrode on right parieto-temporal regions). |
| RRT + sham tDCS | Sham comparator | Behavioral: Rhythmic Reading Training, Device: Transcranial direct current stimulationRhythmic Reading Training, administered for 5 hours over 10 days consecutive (30-minute training sessions per day) + simultaneous 20 minutes of sham tDCS (with the same active tDCS setup, current applied for 30 seconds, |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- having been diagnosed with DD (ICD-10 code: F81.0) on the basis of standard inclusion and exclusion criteria (ICD-10: World Health Organization, 1992) and of the diagnosis procedure followed in the Italian practice
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- presence of comorbidity with other neuropsychiatric or psychopathological conditions (whereas comorbidity with other learning disabilities were allowed)
- exclusion criteria for the use of tDCS (e.g. epilepsy, pregnancy).
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic Reading TrainingAlso: RRTRRT is a computerized reading training program designed for Italian students with dyslexia. The main feature of this intervention is the integration of a traditional remediation approach (sublexical treatment) with rhythm processing. Therefore, all reading exercises are characterized by a rhythmic accompaniment with gradually increasing speed. | Behavioural | RRT + active tDCS, RRT + sham tDCS |
| Transcranial direct current stimulationAlso: tDCStDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) is a noninvasive weak-current brain stimulation technique that can facilitate (anodal electrode) or inhibit (cathodal electrode) cortical activity, thus offering exciting possibilities for the enhancement and treatment of impaired cognitive abilities. | Device | RRT + active tDCS, RRT + sham tDCS |
Primary outcome
Text reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds
Time frame: 2 weeks
The ability to read aloud a text was assessed using the Italian standardized test 'Prova di velocità di lettura di brani' (Zoccolotti, Fondazione S. Lucia), which provides speed and accuracy scores in reading aloud age-normed texts.
Text reading accuracy expressed in number of errors
Time frame: 2 weeks
The ability to read aloud a text was assessed using the Italian standardized test 'Prova di velocità di lettura di brani' (Zoccolotti, Fondazione S. Lucia), which provides speed and accuracy scores in reading aloud age-normed texts.
Word reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds
Time frame: 2 weeks
The ability to read aloud lists of words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 28 words each with different lengths and frequency of use); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 30 words varying according to length: short vs. long and frequency of use: low vs. high frequency).
Word reading accuracy expressed in number of errors
Time frame: 2 weeks
The ability to read aloud lists of words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 28 words each with different lengths and frequency of use); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for word reading (4 lists of 30 words varying according to length: short vs. long and frequency of use: low vs. high frequency).
Pseudo-word reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds
Time frame: 2 weeks
The ability to read aloud lists of pseudo-words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-word reading (2 lists of 16 pseudo-words each with different lengths); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-words reading (2 lists of 30 pseudo-words varying for length: short vs. long).
Pseudo-word reading accuracy expressed in number of errors
Time frame: 2 weeks
The ability to read aloud lists of pseudo-words was assessed using the following Italian standardized tests: 'Assessment battery for Developmental Dyslexia and Dysorthography-2' (Batteria per la valutazione della dislessia e disortografia evolutiva - DDE-2), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-word reading (2 lists of 16 pseudo-words each with different lengths); 'Word and pseudo-word reading test' (WPRT, Prova di lettura di parole e non parole), in which speed and accuracy scores were computed for pseudo-words reading (2 lists of 30 pseudo-words varying for length: short vs. long).
3 secondary outcomes
Rapid Automatized Naming
Time frame: 2 weeks
Verbal Working Memory
Time frame: 2 weeks
Rhythm Discrimination
Time frame: 2 weeks
Results and safety
Results are not available in the source record.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jan 2018.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Alessandro Antonietti, PhD contact
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Rhythmic Reading Training and Transcranial direct current stimulation in people with Developmental Dyslexia, run by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart at 1 site in Italy.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jan 2018. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Italy. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
Results are not available in the source record.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Alice Cancer, MD (00390272342284, alice.cancer@unicatt.it), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Text reading speed expressed in syllables per seconds (time frame: 2 weeks). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jan 2018; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.