Video game training for improving swallowing function in dysphagia patients
Effectiveness of Video-game Based Swallowing Function Training in Patients With Dysphagia: a Randomized, Single-blind, Controlled Trial
This study is testing if playing video games can help people with swallowing problems after a stroke improve their swallowing skills better than regular therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 78 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT05978700 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of video-game based rehabilitation for patients with dysphagia following a first-episode stroke. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a video game rehabilitation group or a conventional therapy group to compare outcomes in swallowing function and training compliance. The study aims to determine if the interactive nature of video games provides additional benefits over traditional methods. The trial will include assessments based on the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test and other relevant measures.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 who have experienced a first-episode stroke and have been diagnosed with dysphagia.
Not a fit: Patients with dysphagia due to structural lesions or serious comorbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance swallowing function and improve adherence to rehabilitation in patients with dysphagia.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of video games in rehabilitation is gaining interest, this specific approach for dysphagia is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. first-episode stroke, as confirmed by brain CT or MRI; 2. diagnosis of dysphagia after stroke according to the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (TOR-BSST); 3. age between 18 and 80 years; 4. no significant cognitive impairment, able to execute instructions correctly, and with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24; 5. clear consciousness as assessed by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS). Exclusion Criteria: 1. dysphagia caused by structural lesions (eg, radiotherapy, previous extensive surgery of the head and neck region such as laryngectomy and cordectomy); 2. combined with serious heart, lung, liver, kidney diseases, and hematological disorders; 3. limb deficiency or paralysis, blindness in both eyes, severe visual impairments; 4. motion sickness or vestibular dysfunction; 5. history of epilepsy, malignancy or other neurological diseases; 6. pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Where this trial is running
Beijing
- Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital — Beijing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Bohan Ms. Zhang
- Email: bohan.zang@connect.polyu.hk
- Phone: 852 61132553
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.