A Proof-of-Concept Study of Gamified Rhythmic Training in Preadolescents who Stutter

Abstract Stuttering is a developmental speech fluency disorder linked to timing deficits in speech motor control. Given the shared neural mechanisms between rhythmic timing and speech production, rhythm-based interventions may hold promise for stuttering. This proof-of-concept study evaluated the feasibility and potential benefits of a gamified rhythmic training program, Rhythm Workers (RW), in pre-adolescents who stutter. Twenty-one children (aged 9–12) were randomly assigned to either RW or an active control game ( Frozen Bubble ) which they played at home for three weeks. We assessed feasibility as well as potential training effects on rhythmic, cognitive and speech-related abilities. Both games were well accepted, and compliance was moderate to high. Only participants trained on the rhythm game showed moderate enhancements in rhythmic synchronization, interference control, oromotor performance, and reduction of stuttering after training. The improvements (except for interference control) correlated with training dose. Moreover, some speech-related gains were associated with improved rhythmic performance, pointing to a possible causal link. While some effects did not reach statistical significance due to the limited sample size, the observed dose–response patterns and domain-specific improvements support the feasibility and promise of rhythmic gaming for young people who stutter. This study provides preliminary evidence that rhythm-based serious games can enhance speech and cognitive outcomes in adolescents who stutter.