Rehabilitation program for older adults with swallowing difficulties
No Food or Drink Does Any Good Until It is Swallowed: a Proof-of-concept Study on Occupational Therapy Rehabilitation for Frail Elders with Dysphagia
This study is testing a new rehabilitation program to help older adults with swallowing difficulties improve their eating skills and overall quality of life.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Hvidovre University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hvidovre) |
| Trial ID | NCT05935618 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This proof-of-concept study aims to evaluate a new intervention designed to enhance swallowing-related outcomes in older adults suffering from dysphagia. The intervention, known as the ACT-ING program, combines skill- and strength-based training to improve ingestive skills, tongue strength, and orofacial function. The study will assess improvements in nutritional status and quality of life, as well as the relationship between perceived autonomy support and engagement in the intervention. Participants will be older individuals who can cooperate and provide informed consent, and the study will take place during hospitalization and continue in community-based rehabilitation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults with a Gugging Swallowing Screen score of 5-18 who can understand Danish and cooperate with the intervention.
Not a fit: Patients with esophageal dysphagia, progressive neurologic dysphagia, or those requiring palliative care may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve swallowing abilities and overall quality of life for older adults with dysphagia.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar interventions targeting swallowing difficulties in older adults have shown promise, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * A score of 5-18 on the Gugging Swallowing Screen. * Speaks and understands Danish. * Are able to cooperate in the intervention and give written informed consent; i.e. is oriented in time, place and own data, and able to perform four simple oral motor movements on request. * Has given written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Esophageal dysphagia. * Progressive neurologenic dysphagia. * Psychiatric illness. * Delirious. * Infections that requires isolation. * Need for palliative care.
Where this trial is running
Hvidovre
- Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre — Hvidovre, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tina Hansen, PhD — Hvidovre University Hospital
- Study coordinator: Tina Hansen, PhD
- Email: tina.hansen.18@regionh.dk
- Phone: +45 29243586
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.