Kinesiology taping and swallowing exercises for stroke patients with dysphagia
The Effects of Kinesiology Taping Combined With Swallowing Exercises on Oropharyngeal Muscle Thickness and Swallowing Function in Dysphagia Rehabilitation of Stroke Patients: An Ultrasonographic Assessment in a Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, bahçelievler) |
| Trial ID | NCT06988215 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial investigates the effects of kinesiology taping combined with resistance exercises on the thickness of suprahyoid muscles and swallowing function in stroke patients suffering from dysphagia. A total of 36 participants will be divided into an intervention group receiving real kinesiology taping and a control group receiving placebo taping, both undergoing standardized swallowing exercises for six weeks. The study will utilize ultrasonographic evaluations and various swallowing function assessments to measure outcomes. The goal is to identify effective rehabilitation methods to improve safe swallowing in post-stroke patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients aged 50 to 80 years who have been diagnosed with stroke and have a Mini-Mental State Examination score greater than 22.
Not a fit: Patients with open wounds in the neck area, known allergies to kinesiology tape, or primary esophageal disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance swallowing function and safety for stroke patients with dysphagia.
How similar studies have performed: While kinesiology taping has shown promise in other rehabilitation contexts, this specific application for neurogenic dysphagia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged between 50 and 80 years * Diagnosed with stroke * Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score greater than 22 * Voluntary participation with written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Open wounds or unresolved skin problems in the neck area * Known allergy to kinesiology tape or its components * Medically unstable conditions * Primary esophageal disorders (e.g., achalasia, upper esophageal sphincter dysfunction)
Where this trial is running
Istanbul, bahçelievler
- Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Research Hospital — Istanbul, bahçelievler, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elif Büşra Demirel, MD — SBÜ Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Elif Büşra Demirel, medical doctor
- Email: edemirel2014@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 554 613 65 32
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.