Using biofeedback to help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties

Biofeedback as an Adjunctive Treatment for Post-stroke Dysphagia: A Multicentric Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · IRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy · NCT05591040

This study tests if using biofeedback can help stroke patients with swallowing difficulties improve their swallowing better than standard verbal instructions.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 89 Years
SexAll
SponsorIRCCS San Camillo, Venezia, Italy (other)
Locations1 site (Venice-Lido)
Trial IDNCT05591040 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of biofeedback treatment compared to standard verbal feedback in improving swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. It is a multicentric, randomized, single-blind controlled study involving 100 participants, who will be divided into two groups: one receiving biofeedback training and the other receiving conventional training. Participants will undergo clinical evaluations before and after the treatment, as well as a follow-up evaluation two months later. The biofeedback group will receive real-time visual feedback on their swallowing muscle activity to enhance their rehabilitation process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are stroke survivors with dysphagia who have had their stroke more than six weeks prior and possess good comprehension.

Not a fit: Patients with severe concomitant illnesses or other neurological diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve swallowing recovery in stroke patients, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have suggested that biofeedback may enhance rehabilitation outcomes, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* first stroke injury
* onset from more than six weeks
* presence of dysphagia
* good comprehension ( not below PT 53 in Token Test)
* good eyesight and hearing, or adequately corrected

Exclusion Criteria:

* All the elements that hinder a good recording of the electromyographic signal (for instance a cutaneous infection, a wound or a dermatitis in the submandibular area);
* Severe concomitant illnesses (fever, infections, metabolic problems, serious cardiac insufficiency) that can influence patient's collaboration;
* Serious dystonia or unintentional movements
* presence of disorders of consciousness;
* encephalopathy due to multiple infarcts;
* inability to sustain the experimental treatment;
* other neurological diseases (for example Parkinson disease)

Where this trial is running

Venice-Lido

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dysphagia, Rehabilitation, Stroke, dysphagia, stroke, biofeedback, rehabilitation, randomized controlled study

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.