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Promoting Motivation and Linguage in Developmental Language Disorder Through Interaction With the Humanoid Social Robot

NCT07426328 · Status: ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 50

Last updated 2026-02-23

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) is a communication disorder that interferes with learning, understanding, and using language. This pilot study investigates the use of the humanoid robot NAO as part of a rehabilitative program designed for children with DLD. NAO, with its predictable and engaging interaction style, is hypothesized to enhance communicative initiative, expressive communication, and social interaction in this population. The study employs a randomized controlled trial design, assigning participants to either a NAO-assisted intervention group or a control group receiving standard therapy. Outcomes will be assessed using standardized measures of communication, motivation, and observational data. This research aims to explore the potential of social robots as an innovative tool for addressing the unique needs of individuals with DLD, contributing to the development of effective, accessible therapeutic options that improve their quality of life and that of their families.

Conditions

  • Development Language Disorder

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Nao assisted therapy

The sessions included tasks designed to engage children in verbal and social interactions (e.g., naming objects, responding to questions, performing gestures). The NAO robot provided consistent and predictable feedback, while therapists supported and reinforced appropriate communicative behaviors.

BEHAVIORAL

Standard therapeutic protocol

The therapy included exercises aimed at improving verbal communication and social engagement (e.g., naming objects, sentence construction, and comprehension tasks). Therapists adjusted the intervention to match each child's communication goals.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Cucinotta Francesca, CF · IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
4 Years
Max Age
5 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-02-01
Primary Completion
2026-04-01
Completion
2026-04-30

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07426328 on ClinicalTrials.gov