Research

We are currently recruiting for the following studies. Use our recruitment form to express interest.

Brain Stimulation Fatigue Study

The Syracuse University Aphasia Lab in New York and the University of Michigan Aphasia Program are recruiting participants for a research study investigating brain stimulation to help reduce fatigue and improve language and cognitive recovery for people after a stroke. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a safe non-invasive type of electrical brain stimulation, will be used while participants receive speech and language therapy. Individuals who are 1) at least 18 years old, 2) have had a stroke, and 3) have experienced speech/language difficulties following their stroke are invited to take a brief, 5-minute screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for language and cognitive testing. The questionnaire is available by going to https://redcap.link/post-stroke-fatigue.

If eligible based on screening questions, the participant will be scheduled for a 1-2 hour language and cognitive testing session either in-person, if nearby one of the campuses, or over Zoom to determine eligibility for study treatment. If eligible for study treatment, participants will be asked to complete 1 pre-testing session, 10 language training sessions with tDCS, and 2 post-testing sessions, each of which will last between 1-2 hours. Eligible participants will be compensated up to $200 for completion of the study. Eligibility will be determined by the screening questionnaire and results of the initial language and cognitive testing. To learn more about the research, please contact Dr. Ellyn Riley at (315) 443-8688, or e-mail aphasia@syr.edu.

The Aphasia Lab is located on the Syracuse University South Campus at 621 Skytop Road in Syracuse, NY; the University of Michigan Aphasia Program is located at 1111 Catherine St. in Ann Arbor, MI.

Brain Stimulation and Language Treatment Study

The Syracuse University Aphasia Lab is recruiting participants for a research study investigating brain stimulation and its effects on attention and language recovery. Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS), a safe non-invasive type of electrical brain stimulation, will be used while participants receive speech and language therapy.

Individuals who are 1) at least 18 years old, 2) have had a stroke, and 3) have experienced speech/language difficulties following their stroke are invited to take a brief, 5-minute screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for language and cognitive testing. The questionnaire is available by going to https://is.gd/aphasiastudy. If eligible based on screening questions, the participant will be scheduled for a 1-2 hour language and cognitive testing visit to determine eligibility for study treatment.

If eligible for study treatment, participants will be asked to complete 1 pre-testing session, 10 language training sessions with tDCS, and 2 post-testing sessions, each of which will last between 1-2 hours. Eligible participants will be compensated up to $150 for completion of the study. Eligibility will be determined by the screening questionnaire and results of the initial language and cognitive testing. To learn more about the research, please contact Dr. Ellyn Riley at (315) 443-8688, email aphasia@syr.edu or visit aphasialab.syr.edu. The Aphasia Lab is located on the Syracuse University South Campus at

621 Skytop Road in Syracuse, NY.

Measuring Sleepiness and Fatigue in Stroke Patients

The Syracuse University Aphasia Lab, located at 621 Skytop Rd. in Syracuse NY (Syracuse University South Campus), is recruiting participants for a research study investigating ways to improve the diagnosis of sleep disorders and chronic fatigue in stroke patients, focusing on those who have aphasia. Aphasia is a communication disorder that some people have after stroke. We are interested in helping medical professionals improve the way they ask questions about sleepiness and fatigue when encountering a person with aphasia.

Eligible research study participants will receive up to $100 compensation. Study eligibility will be determined by criteria listed below and results of language testing. You may be eligible and are encouraged to contact our lab to schedule an eligibility testing session if you:

1. Are least 18 years old

2. Had a stroke

3. Experienced significant fatigue after your stroke

4. Have access to transportation to/from the lab location provided below

The eligibility language testing session will take up to 2 hours. If you are eligible based on this testing, we will ask you to return to the lab for a second session, which will require 8 hours of your time. During the second session you will be asked to answer some questions about your feelings of sleepiness and fatigue. Then we will record the electrical activity from your brain using electrodes attached to your scalp while you are awake and purposely avoiding sleep. For more information and to schedule an eligibility testing session, contact Dr. Ellyn Riley at 315-443-8688, aphasia@syr.edu, or complete the contact form available on our website (aphasialab.syr.edu).