Using a pharyngeal exerciser to improve swallowing in patients with dysphagia
Official title: Effect of Pharyngeal Exerciser in Rehabilitation of Pharyngeal Phase of Swallowing in Patients With Dysphagia
Run by Medical College of Wisconsin · NCT05708898 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if a special device that helps exercise the throat can improve swallowing for people with dysphagia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical College of Wisconsin Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Milwaukee, Wisconsin) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 9, 2015 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05708898 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are healthy elderly adults aged 65 and older with dysphagia characterized by persistent pharyngeal residue.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients under 18, those with recent head and neck cancer, or individuals with certain neuromuscular 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 clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a pharyngeal exerciser in rehabilitating the swallowing function of patients with dysphagia. Participants will undergo a series of barium swallow tests and perform thrice-daily swallowing exercises with the device over a six-week period. The study will assess improvements in swallowing ability, as indicated by the need for additional interventions to prevent aspiration. A thorough medical evaluation will ensure appropriate candidate selection and monitoring throughout the trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly enhance swallowing function and quality of life for patients with dysphagia.
How similar studies have gone: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific application of a pharyngeal exerciser is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with dysphagia characterized by persistent pharyngeal residue on fluoroscopic study undergoing rehabilitative intervention (e.g.: exercises, maneuvers or dietary modification) for improving swallowing and preventing aspiration Healthy elderly adult (≥65 years of age). Exclusion Criteria: * Patients younger than 18 years of age. 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 it's running
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Reza Shaker, MD — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Reza Shaker, MD
- Email: rshaker@mcw.edu
- Phone: 4149556840
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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.