DYSPHAGIA

This study looks at whether giving extra nutrition through a vein, in addition to standard tube feeding, can lower the chance of pneumonia in people with severe stroke. About 546 adults who have trouble swallowing will be randomly assigned to one of two feeding plans. The goal is…

This study looks at whether adding a gentle brain stimulation technique (rTMS) to standard swallowing therapy can lower the chance of pneumonia in people who have trouble swallowing after a stroke. About 70 adults with moderate to severe swallowing issues will take part. The goal…

This study checks if a simple, low-cost string test can diagnose eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition that causes trouble swallowing. Currently, diagnosis requires a camera tube down the throat (endoscopy). The string test involves swallowing a capsule with a string that c…

This study tests whether a new swallowing therapy works as well when done via telehealth as in person for people with Parkinson's disease. Swallowing problems are common in Parkinson's and can lead to pneumonia, a leading cause of death. The study will enroll 120 participants to …

This study tests whether combining two types of breathing exercises can help people with ALS cough stronger and breathe easier. About 34 participants will practice lung volume recruitment and expiratory muscle strength training. The goal is to improve lung function, reduce shortn…

This study tests whether a behavioral health program started before surgery and continued for six weeks after can improve swallowing and voice in people undergoing anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). About 50 adults will participate, using video X-rays and questionnai…

This study tests whether a mild, non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can improve swallowing problems in people with Parkinson's disease. 58 participants will receive either real or sham tDCS alongside standard swallowing therapy. The team will use video X-rays an…

This study tests a new way to do a chin-tuck exercise that may help people with swallowing problems (dysphagia). The exercise aims to strengthen throat muscles and improve the movement of the voice box during swallowing. Researchers will study 60 healthy adults and stroke patient…

This study tests whether a tongue endurance exercise program can improve swallowing in adults who have trouble swallowing after a stroke. About 70 people will be randomly assigned to do either the tongue exercises or a sham therapy at home for 8 weeks. Researchers will measure ch…

This study looks at whether doing daily breathing exercises before a heart transplant can improve breathing, coughing, and swallowing after surgery. About 90 adults waiting for a heart transplant will take part. They will do breathing training at home and have tests to measure th…

This study tests whether adding visual biofeedback to standard swallowing exercises and electrical stimulation helps people who have trouble swallowing after a stroke. About 34 adults who had a stroke within the last 6 months will be split into two groups: one gets visual feedbac…

This study tests if a short course of steroids given through a vein can reduce throat swelling and improve swallowing in people who recently had a breathing tube in the ICU. About 80 adults with confirmed throat swelling will be randomly assigned to receive either steroids or a p…

This study tests a special device that exercises the throat muscles to improve swallowing in people with dysphagia (trouble swallowing). About 160 adults, including healthy seniors and those with swallowing issues, will use the device three times daily for six weeks. The goal is …

This study tests whether a technique called biofeedback can improve swallowing in people who have had a stroke. One hundred participants will either receive standard swallowing therapy or therapy with a screen that shows their swallowing muscles in real time. The goal is to see i…

This study looks at a device called Phagenyx that uses mild electrical pulses to the throat to help stroke survivors with severe swallowing problems. Researchers will compare patients who got the treatment with those who didn't, to see if it improves swallowing safety and allows …

This study tests a wearable device that gives feedback on swallowing muscle activity to help people with swallowing problems from stroke or Parkinson's disease. About 120 adults aged 50-90 will either do swallow therapy in person or at home via telehealth. The goal is to see if t…

This study looks at whether chewing gum or gargling with cold water can help reduce sore throat and trouble swallowing after a bronchoscopy (a lung exam). About 100 adults will be split into groups to try one of these simple methods or get standard care. The goal is to see if the…

This study tests whether applying kinesio tape (a stretchy, therapeutic tape) to the neck muscles can improve swallowing safety in people who have trouble swallowing after a stroke. Researchers will measure changes using video X-rays before and right after taping. The study enrol…

This study tests a special mouth exercise program using a device to help people who still have trouble swallowing 12 weeks after a stroke. About 60 participants will be randomly assigned to the program or standard care. The goal is to see if the exercises improve swallowing funct…

This study is testing a new, non-invasive wearable patch with a microphone that listens to swallowing sounds in people who have trouble swallowing after a stroke. Researchers will collect these sounds during a standard swallowing X-ray test and use machine learning to find patter…

This study is for adults who are already scheduled for a routine throat scope. Researchers want to see if having heterotopic gastric mucosa (HGM) — a patch of stomach-like tissue in the upper esophagus — is linked to trouble swallowing or indigestion. Participants fill out questi…

This study looks at how swallowing is affected in older adults who have lost muscle mass (sarcopenia) and have trouble swallowing (dysphagia). Researchers will use video X-rays and muscle sensors to measure throat muscle activity during swallowing. The goal is to better understan…

Some head and neck cancer survivors develop a condition called velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), where the soft palate doesn't close properly, causing nasal-sounding speech and trouble swallowing. This study with 20 adults will first measure how common and severe VPD is, then tes…

This study tests whether a tool called DIGEST helps doctors better measure and track swallowing problems in cancer patients. Researchers will train staff at 85 hospitals and clinics to use the tool. The goal is to see if using DIGEST leads to more consistent and accurate document…

This study is translating and testing several swallowing assessment tools into Italian for people with swallowing problems caused by neurological conditions like stroke or Parkinson's disease. About 100 adults will take part to ensure the tools are reliable and accurate. The goal…

This study looks at two different ways to check for swallowing problems after a stroke. It will compare a standard test with a non-standard one to see which better finds the risk of food or liquid going into the lungs. About 50 adults who recently had a stroke will take part. The…

This study looks at whether patients in the ICU with severe breathing problems can safely keep eating or drinking before they need a breathing tube (intubation). Currently, patients are often kept fasting, but this can cause discomfort and malnutrition. The study will compare pat…

This study looks at whether a special nutrition program (GUSS-ICU) helps patients in the intensive care unit eat safely after their breathing tube is removed. About 82 adults will be randomly assigned to either the program or usual care. The goal is to see if the program reduces …

This study looks at swallowing difficulties in people over 60. It will screen participants from a larger heart and lung study, then test those with swallowing issues using a camera exam. Some will get muscle training, skill-based exercises, or standard care to see what helps most…

This study looks at how muscle wasting in the mouth and throat affects swallowing in critically ill adults in the ICU. Researchers will measure muscle size and strength, and test swallowing safety in 160 patients. The goal is to find better ways to diagnose and treat swallowing p…

This study is testing whether thickening liquids changes how safely children with swallowing problems (dysphagia) can swallow. Researchers will use special tools to measure swallowing in up to 200 children, comparing thin and thickened liquids. The goal is to find out if thicker …

This study looks at how a special throat exerciser affects swallowing in healthy young and older adults. Researchers want to see if the device makes the muscles used for swallowing work harder. The goal is to gather basic information, not to treat any condition. About 60 healthy …

This study looks at whether people with Alzheimer's disease have more trouble swallowing than healthy older adults. Researchers will test swallowing, coughing, and muscle strength in 240 participants, and ask caregivers about their experiences. The goal is to better understand ho…