Wearable biofeedback to improve swallowing after neurological diseases
Official title: Impact of wearable biofeedback for the rehabilitation and tele-rehabilitation of neurogenic dysphagia
Funded at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign · NIH-11384468 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A wearable biofeedback device helps adults with neurogenic dysphagia improve swallowing through guided exercises and remote coaching.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Champaign, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $544,950 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086371-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384468 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 or older with neurogenic dysphagia caused by neurologic conditions.
✕Less likely to help
People without neurogenic dysphagia or with contraindications to wearing the device may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports a large clinical trial to test whether a wearable sEMG biofeedback system (i-Phagia) can enhance swallowing therapy for adults with neurogenic dysphagia. Participants will perform head and neck swallowing exercises while receiving real-time feedback from the wearable, with data shared to clinicians for monitoring and guidance. The study aims to determine if this approach improves swallowing safety, reduces complications, and enhances quality of life compared with standard therapy. If successful, the method could make specialized swallowing rehabilitation more accessible and affordable.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience safer swallowing, fewer respiratory complications, and better overall daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior small studies suggest biofeedback can help swallow therapy, but large-scale trials in neurogenic dysphagia are needed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malandraki, Georgia — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Study coordinator: Malandraki, Georgia
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Wearable biofeedback device to help swallowing after neurologic injury
This project helps people with swallowing problems from neurologic conditions use a small wearable sensor that shows neck muscle activity to guide exercises and improve swallowing.
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Reducing Burden for Care Partners of People with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
This project tests a user-friendly Web tool to help care partners of people with dementia manage oropharyngeal dysphagia and reduce daily caregiving burden.
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InHANCE: Radiation-Related Swallowing Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer
A patient-focused program aims to understand and reduce swallowing problems caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors.
-
Non-Invasive Dysphagia Detection for Preterm Infants
A new non-invasive tool analyzes a premature baby’s bottle feeding behavior to detect swallowing difficulties early.
-
Web program to help caregivers safely feed loved ones with dementia who have trouble swallowing
A web-based program to teach family caregivers how to manage swallowing problems and reduce the stress of feeding a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
-
Brain changes after stroke: how aging and tongue exercises affect swallowing
A study from UW–Madison looks at why swallowing trouble after stroke persists, and whether age and tongue exercises can help restore swallowing more than just using tricks.
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.