Kinesiology taping and swallowing exercises for stroke patients with dysphagia
Official title: 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
Run by Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital · NCT06988215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul, bahçelievler) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 10, 2025 |
| Study ends | October 10, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | May 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06988215 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
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 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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
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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Best Care for Acute Stroke in General Wards
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Effects of CTAR and a Swallowing Pressure Ball in Older Stroke Adults
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.
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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.
-
Hybrid mirror-primed rehabilitation for unilateral stroke
This trial will test whether adding enhanced mirror priming to conventional therapy helps adults who had a first-time one-sided stroke at least three months ago improve upper-arm movement.
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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).
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.