Neural Synchronization During Gesture Production and Comprehension in Individuals With Aphasia and Healthy Controls: A Study Using EEG Hyperscanning

This study explores the neural mechanisms of gesture comprehension and production in people with aphasia (PWA) and healthy controls, focusing on brain synchronization during gesture observation and reproduction. Using EEG hyperscanning, neural coupling between the encoder (PWA) and decoder (healthy participant) was analyzed during tasks involving social, affective, and informative gestures with both positive and negative emotional valence.

Completed

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Key information

Conditions

Aphasia Behavior Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Communication Communication Disorders Gestures Kinesics Language Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurobehavioral Manifestations Neurologic Manifestations Nonverbal Communication Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms Speech Disorders Stroke Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Sara Nordio

Venice-Lido, Italy

About this study

Gestures are essential in non-verbal communication, complementing speech by expressing emotions, intentions, and cognitive states. This study examines neural mechanisms of gesture comprehension and production in people with aphasia (PWA) and healthy controls, focusing on brain synchronization during gesture observation and reproduction. Using EEG hyperscanning, we analyzed neural coupling between the encoder (PWA) and decoder (healthy participant) during tasks involving social, affective, and informative gestures with both positive and negative emotional valence. Methods: Seven dyads of participants participated in this study. The research was approved by the Ethical Committee of the IRCCS San CamilloHospital

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Age ≥ 18 years Diagnosis of left-sided stroke Clinical diagnosis of aphasia Native language: Italian (L1 Italian)

Exclusion criteria

History of psychiatric disorders

Treatment and study plan

Person with Aphasia

Behavioral

EEG during gestures production

Primary outcomes

neural synchronization

Time frame: during EEG hyperscanning recording

Neural synchronization between encoder and decoder

Description: Synchronization of activity in the alpha, beta, delta, and theta EEG bands between the encoder and decoder, assessed during task performance. Metrics will be reported separately for each frequency band.

Time Frame: At EEG recording

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy

Other

Registry information

Acronym: RIAB_GESTO

Important dates

Study start: 2022
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2023
First posted: Apr 8, 2026
Registry last updated: Apr 22, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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Completed