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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 65 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 132 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Chimei Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tainan, Tainan City) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 28, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07620210 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
- Study coordinator: nai ching Chen, RN
- Email: dreampatty11@gmail.com
- Phone: +886 988031533
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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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.
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Visual biofeedback-assisted oropharyngeal exercises with NMES for post-stroke swallowing problems
This test will try adding real-time visual feedback to swallowing exercises plus NMES in adults with post-stroke dysphagia to see if it improves swallowing function.
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Wearable microphone patch to detect swallowing problems
We will test whether a thin wearable microphone patch can detect swallowing problems in adults aged 40–85 with stroke during their routine barium swallow (VFSS).
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Deep phenotyping to explore recovery in young adults after stroke
This project will test whether a detailed health and sample-collection approach (deep phenotyping) is practical and acceptable for people aged 18–55 who have had a stroke.
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Kinesiology taping and swallowing exercises for stroke patients with dysphagia
This study is testing if using kinesiology taping along with swallowing exercises can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties improve their muscle strength and swallowing ability.
-
Stem cell therapy for chronic stroke recovery
This study is testing whether using a patient's own stem cells can help people with long-term stroke recovery feel better and improve their daily functioning.
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.