Improving swallowing rehabilitation for stroke patients

Enhancing Post-Stroke Dysphagia Rehabilitation Via the Synergistic Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, Neuromuscular Taping, and Swallowing Exercises: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Hamad Medical Corporation · NCT06887855

This study is testing a new swallowing therapy that combines electrical stimulation, taping, and exercises to see if it helps stroke patients with swallowing difficulties more than just using one of those methods alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorHamad Medical Corporation Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Doha, Baladiyat ad Dawhah)
Trial IDNCT06887855 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of a combined swallowing intervention that includes Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES), Neuromuscular Taping (NMT), and swallowing exercises on patients with dysphagia following a stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups to compare the effectiveness of the combined approach against NMES or NMT alone. The study will take place at Hamad Medical Corporation in Qatar, where participants will attend therapy sessions five times a week for two weeks. Evaluations will be conducted before and after the intervention to assess improvements in swallowing function and quality of life.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 who have been diagnosed with swallowing disorders within six months post-stroke and have not previously received swallowing treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or swallowing disorders due to other causes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar rehabilitation approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 - 75 years old,
* Diagnosed with swallowing disorders between one day and six months post-stroke,
* Able to attend 10 therapy sessions,
* Have never received any swallowing treatment before participating in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Post-stroke patients with severe cognitive impairment,
* Patients who have swallowing disorders due to other etiologies,
* Patients who need traditional swallowing therapy other than Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR). - Skin disorders in the submental area and anterior neck,
* Medical conditions that may affect participation,
* A defibrillator and use precision electrical biomedical devices (e.g. pacemaker, etc.).

Where this trial is running

Doha, Baladiyat ad Dawhah

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 Dysphagia After Strokepost-strokedysphagiacombined rehabilitationneuromuscular electrical stimulationkinesiology tapingneuromuscular tapingchin tuck against resistance
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.