Behavioral intervention for swallowing improvement after neck surgery
Official title: 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
Run by NYU Langone Health · NCT06520579 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special program to help with swallowing can improve recovery for people having neck surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 21 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | NYU Langone Health Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06520579 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 21-99 scheduled for ACDF surgery at NYU Langone Health.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
NYU Langone Health
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sonja Molfenter, PhD — NYU Langone Health
- Study coordinator: Sonja Molfenter, PhD
- Email: Smm16@nyu.edu
- Phone: 212-992-7694
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
How surgery for obstructive sleep apnea affects swallowing and oral function
This study compares swallowing and oral function before and after surgical treatment for OSA versus non-surgical care in adults with moderate-to-severe OSA.
-
taVNS added to oral motor training for babies with severe swallowing trouble
This trial tests whether pairing a noninvasive taVNS treatment with oral sensorimotor training helps infants in NICUs swallow better and feed more safely.
-
Digital Tongue-Pressure Biofeedback Training for Post-Stroke Swallowing
This study tests whether digital tongue-pressure biofeedback training helps people with swallowing difficulties after stroke.
-
Masseter and Thigh Muscle Ultrasound to Predict Dysphagia and Sarcopenia in Critically Ill Adults
This study tests whether measuring the masseter muscle with ultrasound can help identify dysphagia in adults after critical illness and extubation, alongside evaluation of sarcopenia.
-
Impact of Patient Position on EndoFLIP Measurements in Kids and Young Adults
This study tests whether EndoFLIP measurements differ when patients are in the supine versus left-side position during the procedure.
-
Effects of CTAR and a Swallowing Pressure Ball in Older Stroke Adults
This study tests whether home-based CTAR exercises plus a swallowing pressure ball can improve swallowing function and eating-related quality of life for older adults who had a stroke and have dysphagia.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.