Myofascial Release Therapy for Swallowing Issues in Brain Injury Patients

A Randomized Controlled Study to Explore Effect of Myofascial Release on Dysphagia in Patients With Traumatic Brain Injury

Not applicable Interventional People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06256861

This study is testing if Myofascial Release Therapy can help people with swallowing problems after a brain injury improve their ability to eat and drink.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeople's Hospital of Zhengzhou University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT06256861 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Myofascial Release Therapy in improving swallowing function in patients who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a control group receiving standard rehabilitation or an experimental group receiving Myofascial Release Therapy over a 21-day period. The study will assess outcomes using the Functional Oral Intake Scale, Penetration-Aspiration Scale, and Swallowing Quality of Life metrics to determine any improvements in swallowing ability. The goal is to provide evidence on whether this therapy can enhance recovery in dysphagic patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of severe traumatic brain injury and stable vital signs.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological diseases, severe complications, or contraindications for Myofascial Release Therapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients with traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of Myofascial Release Therapy for dysphagia in traumatic brain injury is novel, similar therapeutic approaches have shown promise in other rehabilitation contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age ≥ 18 years, meeting the diagnosis of severe Traumatic Brain Injury.
* presence of no contraindication for enteral nutrition;
* with stable vital signs and no severe liver or kidney dysfunction, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or multiple complications;

Exclusion Criteria:

* complicated with other neurological diseases;
* damaged mucosa or incomplete structure in nasopharynx;
* tracheostomy tube plugged;
* unfeasible to Myofascial Release;
* simultaneously suffering from liver, kidney failure, tumors, or hematological diseases.

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Traumatic Brain Injury
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.