Behavioral intervention for swallowing improvement after neck surgery

Pilot Proof of Concept, Prospective Cohort, Single-Center Study on the Effects of Behavioral Intervention on Swallowing and Voice Outcomes After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) Surgery

NA · NYU Langone Health · NCT06520579

This study is testing if a special program to help with swallowing can improve recovery for people having neck surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT06520579 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to recruit patients undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) surgeries at NYU Langone Health. Participants will undergo swallowing assessments before and six weeks after surgery, alongside a behavioral health program that starts one week prior to surgery and continues for six weeks post-operation. The study will evaluate whether this proactive approach enhances swallowing and voice outcomes after the surgical procedure. Various assessments, including videofluoroscopy and patient-reported outcomes, will be utilized to measure effectiveness.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-99 scheduled for ACDF surgery at NYU Langone Health.

Not a fit: Patients with non-degenerative spine conditions or pre-existing dysphagia due to neurological issues or cancer treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve swallowing and voice quality for patients recovering from ACDF surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While similar behavioral interventions have shown promise in other contexts, this specific approach in the ACDF population is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Able and willing to sign consent form to participate in the study.
2. Age between 21- 99 years.
3. Scheduled to undergo ACDF surgery with surgeons in the departments of Neurosurgery or Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with non-degenerative spine conditions, such as trauma, tumors, infection, radiation, and diabetes.
2. Patients with prior posterior-approach cervical spine procedures.
3. Patients undergoing ACDF revision procedures.
4. Patients who report a pre-existing dysphagia as the result of a neurological deficit or disorder, head and neck cancer treatment, and/or muscular condition.
5. Pregnancy. Female subjects must confirm they are not pregnant before enrolling in the study.
6. Patients with chronic kidney disease, limiting their ability to consume high levels of protein.
7. Patients with known allergies to ingredients listed in Premier Protein Clear drinks.

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dysphagia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.