Visual biofeedback-assisted oropharyngeal exercises with NMES for post-stroke swallowing problems
Official title: Effectiveness of Visual Biofeedback-Assisted Oropharyngeal Exercises Combined With Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Patients With Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Run by Gazi University · NCT07492719 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This test will try adding real-time visual feedback to swallowing exercises plus NMES in adults with post-stroke dysphagia to see if it improves swallowing function.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Gazi University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 16, 2026 |
| Main results expected | January 2028 |
| Study ends | January 2028 |
| Registry record updated | March 25, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07492719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18 or older with dysphagia after a stroke within the past six months who can initiate reflex swallowing, have stable vital signs, and can provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cognitive impairment or aphasia, implanted cardiac devices, open skin wounds at electrode sites, active epilepsy, recent cervical surgery, respiratory distress, malignancy, or those outside the 6-month post-stroke window are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial assigns adults with post-stroke dysphagia to either visual biofeedback-assisted oropharyngeal exercises plus suprahyoid NMES or to conventional oropharyngeal exercises plus NMES. Treatment is delivered five days per week for four weeks at a single center. Outcomes include changes in clinical swallowing function, suprahyoid muscle activity measured by surface electromyography, and muscle stiffness measured by shear wave elastography. The trial enrolls patients within six months of a cerebrovascular event who can initiate reflex swallowing and provide informed consent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding visual biofeedback could improve swallowing safety and muscle function, reducing aspiration risk and improving nutrition and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows mixed but promising results for NMES combined with swallowing exercises, while visual biofeedback is a newer adjunct with limited clinical evidence to date.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 years or older * Clinical diagnosis of dysphagia, defined by at least one of the following: presence of cough or throat clearing during the 90 mL water swallow test, reduced laryngeal elevation on clinical examination, or at least one symptom related to dysphagia * Ability to initiate reflex swallowing * History of cerebrovascular event within the previous 6 months * Stable vital signs * Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cognitive impairment (Mini-Mental State Examination \[MMSE\] score \< 20), dementia, or severe communication difficulties due to aphasia * Contraindications to electrical stimulation, including the presence of an * implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), impaired skin integrity or open wounds at the electrode placement site, or active epilepsy * History of cervical surgery or presence of respiratory distress * Diagnosis of malignancy
Where it's running
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Gazi University Hospital, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Recruiting
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ilgın N Manzak, MD
- Email: ilginmanzak@gmail.com
- Phone: +905319335274
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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.