Simple chin and neck exercises put to the test for MS swallowing problems
NCT ID NCT07726667
First seen Jul 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026
Summary
This trial compares two exercise programs—chin tuck against resistance (CTAR) and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) neck stretches—for people with multiple sclerosis who have trouble swallowing. Over 8 weeks, participants perform supervised sessions three times a week. Researchers measure changes in swallowing ability, speed, and quality of life using questionnaires and a water-swallow test to see which approach works better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- chin tuck against resistance (CTAR) exercises and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) neck exercises
- What this could lead to
- If one exercise program proves more effective, it could offer a simple, drug-free way to improve swallowing safety and quality of life for people with MS.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 39 participants, so results may not apply to everyone with MS. The exercises require supervision and may not be practical for all patients.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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39 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Finished
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May 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * \- Confirmed diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2017 McDonald criteria * DYMUS (Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis) questionnaire score ≥1 * Age between 18 and 65 years * No relapse within the preceding 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * \- Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Presence of another neurological disease that could cause dysphagia * Presence of pneumonia * History of head-neck surgery or head-neck cancer * Persistent neck pain and/or radiculopathy * Inadequate head control * Inability to understand or follow verbal commands
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Sanko Unıversıty
Gaziantep, Gaz, 27090, Turkey (Türkiye)
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