Throat-strengthening exercises to prevent swallowing problems in older adults
Proactive pharyngeal swallowing exercises: Building muscular reserve in pre-frail older adults
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · NIH-11160815
This project will try regular throat exercises, with or without a daily protein drink, to help older adults who have or are at risk for weak swallowing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11160815 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You will start with 12 weeks of no treatment so your own measurements can serve as a baseline. After that, 80 community-dwelling older adults will be randomized to do 12 weeks of throat (pharyngeal) exercises five days a week, either with or without a daily protein drink. Before and after each phase the team will use MRI to look at muscle composition, high-resolution manometry to measure muscle force, and other swallowing and health tests. The goal is to see if these exercises and protein can build throat muscle reserve and improve swallowing safety and nutrition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Community-dwelling older adults who are pre-frail or beginning to show signs of weakened swallowing are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe dysphagia, recent head or neck surgery, or medical conditions that make exercise unsafe may not receive benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could strengthen swallowing muscles and reduce risks like malnutrition, frailty, and aspiration pneumonia in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise and protein supplements have improved other skeletal muscles and prior work shows age-related throat muscle decline, but combining proactive throat exercises with daily protein in older adults is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MOLFENTER, SONJA M — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: MOLFENTER, SONJA M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.