Modulating esophageal muscle function in healthy individuals and those with swallowing difficulties

Characterization of the Striated Esophagus (St.Eso) Deglutitive Motor Function and Its Modulation by Pharyngeal Phase Swallow Biomechanics

Not applicable Interventional Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05708885

This study is testing a new device to see how changing the way we swallow can help healthy people and those with swallowing difficulties move food through their esophagus better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment557 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical College of Wisconsin Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Trial IDNCT05708885 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how the motor function of the striated esophagus is influenced by the biomechanics of swallowing during the pharyngeal phase. Utilizing advanced techniques, including high-resolution manometry and impedance recording, the researchers will analyze pressure phenomena in the esophagus and pharynx. A novel device will be employed to non-invasively manipulate pharyngeal biomechanics, both positively and negatively, to assess its effects on swallowing. The study aims to gather objective measures of peristalsis and bolus movement through concurrent imaging techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy adults aged 18 to 90 and patients with dysphagia who have normal esophageal manometric findings.

Not a fit: Patients with recent head and neck cancer, muscle diseases, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments for patients with dysphagia by enhancing our understanding of esophageal motor function.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using advanced imaging and manometry techniques have shown promise in understanding swallowing mechanics.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy subjects aged 18 to 90 years.
* Patents with dysphagia but normal high resolution esophageal manometric findings defined by the Chicago classification.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Anyone less than 18 years old.
* Patients with recent head and neck cancer (\<1 month post-surgery or \<3 months post-chemo radiation.
* Patients suffering from muscle diseases like muscular dystrophies, myopathies.
* Patients with neuro-muscular junction disorders myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert disorders.
* Patients having history of allergy to lidocaine or barium.
* Patients who are pregnant or lactating.
* Patients who are medically unstable.
* Patients who are unable to apply the exerciser independently or with the help of a caregiver.
* Patients who lack cognition.

Where this trial is running

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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, Esophageal
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.