Shock therapy for swallowing: electrical zaps may help stroke patients eat again

NCT ID NCT07415785

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Chiayi Christian Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether adding neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to standard swallowing therapy helps stroke patients with difficulty swallowing. Sixty adults who recently had a stroke and needed tube feeding took part. They received either NMES plus therapy or a sham treatment plus therapy for two weeks. Researchers measured swallowing function and quality of life at several follow-up visits to see if the combination worked better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a better way to help stroke patients regain swallowing function faster.
What could go wrong: This is a small, completed trial with only 60 participants. The results may not apply to all stroke patients, and the benefit over standard therapy alone may be small.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Deglutition Disorders stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

DYSPHAGIA STROKE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chiayi Christian Hospital

Chiayi City, Taiwan

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