Effects of Lingual Endurance Exercise on Swallowing After Stroke

Impact of Lingual Endurance Exercise on Rehabilitation of Swallowing Impairments After Ischemic Stroke

NA · University of Cincinnati · NCT06072924

This study is testing a new tongue exercise to see if it can help people who have trouble swallowing after a stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Cincinnati (other)
Locations1 site (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT06072924 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot trial investigates the impact of a novel lingual endurance exercise on swallowing function in individuals who have experienced dysphagia following an ischemic stroke. Participants will engage in either the lingual endurance exercise or a sham exercise, with the primary aim of assessing improvements in oral swallow physiology. Additionally, the study will collect MRI data to explore changes in white matter tract diffusion and cortical thickness, contributing to our understanding of neuroplasticity related to swallowing rehabilitation. The findings will inform future larger-scale intervention trials aimed at optimizing therapy delivery for better recovery outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 19 years and older who are 3-6 months post-ischemic stroke and experiencing ongoing swallowing issues.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of dysphagia prior to the stroke or other neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients recovering from stroke-related dysphagia.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of lingual endurance exercise is novel, similar rehabilitation strategies have shown promise in improving swallowing function in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1\) 3-6 months since most recent diagnosis of ischemic, confirmed from clinical imaging) with or without small hemorrhagic transformation (HI-1)
* 2\) Have some indication of on-going swallowing issues
* 3\) English Speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\) ≤18 years of age
* 2\) history of dysphagia prior to or after the stroke caused by any of the following conditions: gastrointestinal disease, traumatic brain injury, head and neck cancer, surgery involving the pharynx or larynx
* 3\) history of other neurological disease (i.e. multiple sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson's, dementia).
* 4\) Medium to large hemorrhagic transformation/involvement documented on clinical stroke imaging 5) 5) History of temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (also known as TMJ).

Where this trial is running

Cincinnati, Ohio

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, Dysphagia, Oropharyngeal, Ischemic Stroke, Stroke, swallowing trouble, difficulty swallowing, swallow rehab

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.