Neuronal Processing of Diacritics: An fMRI Study

The purpose of this study is to determine brain function in reading arabic diacritics.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Neuronal Processing of Diacritics
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: MRI

Detailed Description

fMRI is a well established imaging technique that allows investigators to see regional brain function based off of actions like reading, speaking, playing music, etc. Even the type of language and format of that language can change the area of the brain that is active while performing that action. This study is meant to see the areas of the brain that become active both prior to and during the process of reading diacritic markings in arabic.

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 12

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• United States
  • Massachusetts
    • Worcester, Massachusetts, United States, 01655
      • UMASS Medical School Advanced MRI Center

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No
• Genders Eligible for Study: Male

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

All subjects will be male native arabic speakers that can read and write english. All will be healthy with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders.

Description

Inclusion Criteria

Adult patients may be enrolled in this study if they meet the following inclusion criteria:

• Are male and are 18 years or older, inclusive;
• Consent from the patient
• First language is Arabic
• Must be able to speak and read English
• Right handed
• The subject must pass a dyslexia screen test (Attached to consent form).

Exclusion Criteria

Adult patients will be excluded from this study if they do not fulfill the inclusion criteria, or if any of the following conditions have been met:

• Have any contraindications to an MR exam such as a pace-maker, metallic cardiac valves, magnetic material (i.e., surgical clips) implanted electronic infusion pumps or any other conditions that would preclude proximity to a strong magnetic field;
• Are undergoing the MR exam in an emergency situation
• People with psychiatric disorders will be excluded from the study.
• Are claustrophobic and can not tolerate the imaging.
• People with neurological diseases
• Are on any medications for psychiatric, neurological, or chronic pain problems.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Observational Models: Case-Only

Number of groups / cohorts

1

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort	Intervention / Treatment
Arabic Speakers; All subjects must be male native arabic speakers who can read and speak english.	Other: MRI; All subjects will be asked to lay in an MRI for about an hour while reading Arabic diacritic characters; Other Names: fMRI; Arabic; Diacritic

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Time Frame
Observe regional brain function from reading Arabic diacritics	1 hour

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: University of Massachusetts, Worcester

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start: February 1, 2009
• Primary Completion (Actual): February 1, 2011
• Study Completion (Actual): February 1, 2011

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 16, 2009
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: February 16, 2009
• First Posted (Estimate): February 18, 2009

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimate): November 4, 2011
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: November 3, 2011
• Last Verified: November 1, 2011

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: fMRI; Diacritics; Neuronal Processing; Arabic
• Other Study ID Numbers: Docket # 13127