Watching swallowing actions to help recovery after stroke

Effects of Different Modes of Action Observation Therapy on Swallowing Function After Stroke: a Study Based on fNIRS

Not applicable Interventional Qilu Hospital of Shandong University · NCT07184892

This trial will test whether watching real-life swallowing movements or videos helps people with swallowing problems after a stroke.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorQilu Hospital of Shandong University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Jinan, Shandong)
Trial IDNCT07184892 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants with post-stroke dysphagia will be assigned to one of three approaches: observing daily-life swallowing movements, watching swallowing-action videos, or receiving traditional swallowing training. Swallowing function will be measured before and after the intervention and brain activity will be recorded using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to explore neural mechanisms. Eligible participants are adults 18–80 with a first stroke within six months, detectable dysphagia on a water swallow test, sufficient sitting balance, and adequate cognitive ability to follow instructions. The trial is conducted at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and interventions are delivered in person.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–80 with a first-time stroke and dysphagia within six months who can sit for 30 minutes and meet the MMSE cognitive thresholds are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with swallowing problems from other causes, tumors or lesions in the mouth or throat, severe cognitive impairment, or unstable medical conditions are unlikely to benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a low-cost, easy-to-deliver way to improve swallowing and speed recovery after stroke.

How similar studies have performed: Action observation therapy has strong supporting evidence for limb motor recovery, but clinical evidence for swallowing rehabilitation is limited with only preliminary positive findings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 1: 1.n accordance with the diagnostic criteria formulated by the Fourth National Academic Conference on Cerebrovascular disease;

  2: 2.Dysphagia was detected by water swallowing test;

  3: 3.First onset, course of disease within 6 months, the condition is stable;

  4: 4.Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score, literacy \>=17 points, primary education \>=20 points, secondary education \>=24 points, can understand and cooperate with treatment;

  5: 5.Have a certain degree of sitting balance ability, can maintain a sitting position for 30 minutes;

  6: 6.Aged 18-80 years old;

  7: 7.The patient was informed and consented to this study, and the patient's family was informed and trained, and could cooperate with the adjuvant treatment of swallowing movement observation therapy in daily life.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1: Patients with impaired swallowing function due to other reasons;

  2: Presence of tumors or other lesions in the mouth or throat;

  3: Visual and hearing dysfunction;

  4: The presence of agnosia, apraxia or unilateral neglect;

  5: Severe cognitive impairment and mental and emotional instability can not cooperate with treatment;

  6: Implantation or retention of ferromagnetic metals in the brain.

Where this trial is running

Jinan, Shandong

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.
Conditions Strokestrokeaction observationmirror neuronsDysphagiaswallowing function
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.