Using voice analysis to screen for swallowing difficulties in neurological patients

Automatic Voice Analysis for Dysphagia Screening in Neurological Patients

Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA · NCT06219200

This study is testing a new way to use voice recordings to see if people with neurological conditions, like Parkinson's or stroke, have trouble swallowing.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIstituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA (other)
Locations2 sites (Lissone, Lombardy and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06219200 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop a dysphagia screening tool utilizing automatic voice analysis and machine learning algorithms for patients with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Participants, including both affected individuals and healthy controls, will perform vocal tasks during a single recording session, with their voice signals analyzed to identify potential swallowing difficulties. The goal is to create a rapid and effective screening method that can be used in clinical settings to detect oropharyngeal dysphagia early, thereby reducing complications like malnutrition and pneumonia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old diagnosed with stroke, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as healthy individuals.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairments that hinder their ability to perform vocal tasks or those with ear, nose, and throat diseases affecting voice quality may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this tool could provide a non-invasive and efficient method for early detection of swallowing difficulties in neurological patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of voice analysis in dysphagia screening is a novel approach, similar studies utilizing machine learning for neurological assessments have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a diagnosis of stroke, Parkinson's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or healthy individuals.
* Age higher than 18 years old.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cognitive impairment that do not allow participants to understand the requested vocal tasks.
* Ear, nose,throat diseases and other disorders able to affect voice quality.

Where this trial is running

Lissone, Lombardy and 1 other locations

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: Deglutition Disorders, Neurological Disorder

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.