Optimizing brain stimulation effects on swallowing areas
Effect of Preconditioning of Human Pharyngeal Motor Cortex by Low Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Enhancing Cortical Excitability Induced by Pharyngeal Electrical Stimulation
This study is testing if a special brain stimulation technique can improve swallowing by making the brain areas that control it work better in healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 14 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manchester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Manchester) |
| Trial ID | NCT06884488 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This interventional study aims to enhance the excitatory effects of neuromodulatory therapies on the brain regions responsible for swallowing. It investigates whether preconditioning with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve the effects of pharyngeal electrical stimulation (PES) on cortical excitability. Healthy volunteers over the age of 18 will participate in a cross-over design, undergoing various stimulation procedures across multiple visits. Each participant will receive different combinations of active and sham treatments to assess the outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy volunteers aged 18 and older without any history of neurological or swallowing issues.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of epilepsy, cardiac pacemakers, or previous swallowing problems may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for swallowing disorders by optimizing brain stimulation techniques.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of rTMS and PES is novel, similar neuromodulatory approaches have shown promise in enhancing brain function in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers over the age of 18 will be recruited through adverts placed around Salford Royal Hospital, on a University of Manchester website which advertises for research volunteers and through a departmental database of volunteers who have expressed an interest in future research. There is no upper age limit for potential participants. Exclusion Criteria: The presence or a history of: 1. Epilepsy 2. Cardiac pacemaker 3. Previous brain surgery 4. Previous swallowing problems 5. The use of medication which acts on the central nervous system 6. Any implanted metal in the head 7. Pregnancy (self-declared)
Where this trial is running
Manchester
- University of Manchester — Manchester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shaheen Hamdy, PhD — The University of Manchester
- Study coordinator: Meng Dai, PhD
- Email: meng.dai@manchester.ac.uk
- Phone: 44 7585922413
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.