Randomized Controlled Trial of Video Self-Modeling Following Speech Restructuring Treatment for Stuttering

PURPOSE: In this study, the authors investigated the efficacy of video self-modeling (VSM) following speech restructuring treatment to improve the maintenance of treatment effects. METHOD: The design was an open-plan, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Participants were 89 adults and adolescents who undertook intensive speech restructuring treatment. Post treatment, participants were randomly assigned to 2 trial arms: standard maintenance and standard maintenance plus VSM. Participants in the latter arm viewed stutter-free videos of themselves each day for 1 month. RESULTS: The addition of VSM did not improve speech outcomes, as measured by percent syllables stuttered, at either 1 or 6 months postrandomization. However, at the latter assessment, self-rating of worst stuttering severity by the VSM group was 10% better than that of the control group, and satisfaction with speech fluency was 20% better. Quality of life was also better for the VSM group, which was mildly to moderately impaired compared with moderate impairment in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: VSM intervention after treatment was associated with improvements in self-reported outcomes. The clinical implications of this finding are discussed.