NCT07415785

NMES Plus Conventional Therapy for Stroke Dysphagia

Efficacy of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Plus Conventional Dysphagia Therapy in Acute and Subacute Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (actual)
• Sponsor: Chiayi Christian Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 20 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) combined with traditional dysphagia therapy (TDT) in acute/subacute stroke patients with dysphagia. Methods: We design a randomized controlled trial to conduct this study. A total of 100 participants with stroke-induced dysphagia are included and randomly assigned to two groups: NMES+TDT and sham NMES+TDT. Participants receive a two-week training protocol, 5 times a week, with each session lasting 30 minutes. Clinical outcomes are recorded at baseline and at 1-, 2-, and 4-week follow-up visits. These outcomes include the Function Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10), and Swallowing-Related Quality of Life (Taiwan version). Expected results: We hope that the effectiveness of NMES in treating stroke-induced dysphagia can be clarified. This information can be provided when treating patients with stroke-induced dysphagia.

Conditions

• Dysphagia
• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	neuromuscular electrical stimulation	This intervention is distinguished from other clinical interventions by the combination of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with conventional dysphagia therapy in acute and subacute stroke patients. Unlike studies that employ either NMES or traditional therapy alone, this protocol integrates both approaches to potentially enhance swallowing function through simultaneous neuromuscular activation and task-specific swallowing exercises.
OTHER	traditional dysphagia therapy	traditional dysphagia therapy

Timeline

• Start date: 2023-09-25
• Primary completion: 2025-07-29
• Completion: 2025-07-29
• First posted: 2026-02-17
• Last updated: 2026-02-17

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Taiwan