Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 65 to 90

Effects of CTAR and a Swallowing Pressure Ball in Older Stroke Adults

Official title: Effectiveness of Combining Chin Tuck Against Resistance Swallowing Training and an Innovative Swallowing Pressure Measurement Ball on the Swallowing Function and Quality of Life in Home-Based Older Adults With Stroke

Run by Chimei Medical Center · NCT07620210 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Stroke trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages65 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
Enrollment132 (estimated)
SponsorChimei Medical Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tainan, Tainan City)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 18, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2026
Study endsFebruary 28, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07620210 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke survivors aged 65–90 with post-stroke dysphagia, receiving home care, and able to follow training.

Probably not a fit

Individuals with severe comorbidities, inability to participate in training, or tube feeding may not benefit from this intervention.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial examines a 12-week home-care swallowing rehabilitation program combining Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) and a swallowing pressure ball versus conventional swallowing rehabilitation in older adults with post-stroke dysphagia. Participants are adults aged 65–90 who had an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than 6 months ago and are receiving home care. Outcomes include standardized swallowing assessments, quality of life related to swallowing, and adherence to the rehabilitation protocol. The trial aims to assess feasibility and potential clinical benefits of resistance-based, home-based swallowing rehabilitation in community settings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved swallowing function and better swallowing-related quality of life through a feasible home-care program.

How similar studies have gone: Previous resistance-based swallowing rehabilitation approaches have shown promise, but applying a home-care CTAR–ball program is relatively novel in this population.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 65 and 90 years.
* Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than 6 months prior to enrollment.
* Receiving home care services from participating home care agencies.
* Able to follow instructions and participate in swallowing training.
* MMSE score ≥24, or adjusted according to education level.
* Passed the second stage of the 3-step swallowing screening test.
* Presence of post-stroke dysphagia symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of head and neck cancer or head and neck radiotherapy.
* History of cervical spine surgery or tracheostomy.
* Severe neurological or neuromuscular diseases affecting swallowing function.
* Severe unstable medical conditions.
* Current use of medications significantly affecting swallowing function or muscle tone.
* Unable to complete the intervention or follow-up assessments.
* Receiving tube feeding without oral intake ability.

Where it's running

  • ChiMei Medical Center
    Tainan, Tainan City, Taiwan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.