Acupuncture for treating swallowing difficulties in stroke patients
Complementary Acupuncture Treatment of Dysphagia in Stroke
NA · China Medical University Hospital · NCT05429424
This study is testing if acupuncture can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties feel better and improve their overall care.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 336 (estimated) |
| Ages | 20 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Medical University Hospital (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Taichung) |
| Trial ID | NCT05429424 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for dysphagia in stroke patients. It aims to reduce hospital stays and improve long-term care quality by addressing swallowing impairments and related complications. The approach includes a multi-center prospective randomized clinical trial design, utilizing real-world data analysis and Taiwan's biomedical database to provide robust clinical evidence. Participants will be divided into groups receiving either verum acupuncture or sham treatments to assess the efficacy of the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 20 years old who have experienced their first stroke within the last six months and have confirmed dysphagia.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of swallowing disability, coagulopathy, or those who have undergone recent acupuncture treatment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve swallowing function in stroke patients, leading to shorter hospital stays and better quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach to treating dysphagia in stroke patients is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * .Patients aged more than 20 years * The diagnosis of first stroke was established within the six months * Patients had a score ≥ 25 of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) * Patients met one or both indications as follows 1. Dysphagia confirmed under the standardized swallowing assessment 2. Nasogastric tube feeding already Exclusion Criteria: * Previous history of swallowing disability * Currently known coagulopathy leading to bleeding disorder. * Previous surgery of head or neck * Local infection at or near the acupuncture site is not suitable for acupuncture after physician examination. * Psychological or behavior disorder * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding women. * Previous acupuncture treatment for any indication within 30 days of enrollment. * Severe chronic or uncontrollable complications interference the processing of the trial
Where this trial is running
Taichung
- China Medical University Hospital — Taichung, Taiwan (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hung-Rong Yen
- Email: hungrongyen@gmail.com
- Phone: 04-22053366
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Stroke, acupuncture, swallowing impairment