New study: the connection between speech & movement

Are you a regular runner? If so, researchers at Bangor University invite you to take part in their research.

Dr Charlie Wiltshire says, "Recent studies have suggested that people who stammer may have subtle differences in the way their bodies move. While these are virtually invisible to the average onlooker, they may influence participation in sport, from community to elite levels.

'We want to find out if there is a link between stammering and body movements and we're looking for people to take part. Our research will focus on walking and running. It will also help us understand how the brain controls movement, and what impact this has on speech and stammering".

Who's eligible?

Charlie and his team are looking for people who:

are aged 18-45
are regular runners/joggers (at least twice a week)
have no severe injuries affecting lower limbs
stammer and those who don't.

What will it involve?

Completing questionnaires about stammering and sporting activity.
MRI Scanning (1.5 hours). Reading while brain and speech movements are captured.
3D Motion Capture (2 hours). Walking or running while your movements are recorded.

They will pay you for your time at £10 per hour (up to £35 total). Travel and accommodation costs will be covered, if needed.

You'll also get a picture of your brain, a video of your vocal tract as you speak, and a video of the 3D motion capture session as you run.