Effect of oral neuromuscular training on swallowing difficulties after stroke

Dysphagia Evaluation After Stroke - a Randomized Controlled Trial of Oral Neuromuscular Training on Swallowing Dysfunction (DESIRE)

Not applicable Interventional Umeå University · NCT02960737

This study tests whether a special oral training program can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties improve their eating and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUmeå University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Umeå)
Trial IDNCT02960737 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of a rehabilitation program using an oral device on stroke patients experiencing persistent oral- and pharyngeal dysphagia 12 weeks after their stroke. It employs a prospective randomized open-label blinded evaluator design, enrolling 336 patients who will be divided into an intervention group receiving oral neuromuscular training and a control group receiving routine care. The study aims to assess improvements in swallowing function, nutritional status, and quality of life over a 3-month period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are stroke patients who have developed persistent dysphagia 12 weeks after their stroke onset.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing neurological or psychiatric disorders that affect swallowing function may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for stroke patients with dysphagia.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dysphagia rehabilitation, the specific approach of oral neuromuscular training in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Persistent dysphagia 12(±3) weeks after STROKE.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Stroke patients with neurologic or psychiatric disorders or other diseases/conditions that can affect swallowing function.
* Unable to collaborate due to other serious diseases and/or to affected general condition.

Where this trial is running

Umeå

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.
Conditions DysphagiaStrokeInterventionOral neuromuscular trainingRandomized control trial
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.