RecruitingNot Applicable

Effects of CTAR and a Swallowing Pressure Ball in Older Stroke Adults

Taiwan132 participantsStarted 2026-03-18

Plain-language summary

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of resistance swallowing rehabilitation using Chin Tuck Against Resistance (CTAR) exercises combined with an innovative swallowing pressure ball in improving swallowing function and swallowing-related quality of life among home-based older stroke patients with dysphagia. Participants will receive a 12-week swallowing rehabilitation program conducted in the home-care setting. Outcome measures include swallowing function assessments, swallowing-related quality of life, and rehabilitation adherence. The study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to explore the feasibility and clinical benefits of resistance-based swallowing rehabilitation in community and home-care environments.

Who can participate

Age range

65 Years – 90 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 65 and 90 years. * Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke more than 6 months prior to enrollment. * Receiving home care services from participating home care agencies. * Able to follow instructions and participate in swallowing training. * MMSE score ≥24, or adjusted according to education level. * Passed the second stage of the 3-step swallowing screening test. * Presence of post-stroke dysphagia symptoms. Exclusion Criteria: * History of head and neck cancer or head and neck radiotherapy. * History of cervical spine surgery or tracheostomy. * Severe neurological or neuromuscular diseases affecting swallowing function. * Severe unstable medical conditions. * Current use of medications significantly affecting swallowing function or muscle tone. * Unable to complete the intervention or follow-up assessments. * Receiving tube feeding without oral intake ability.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) Total Score

Timeframe: Baseline to Week 12

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07620210

SponsorChimei Medical Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-12-31

Contact for this trial

nai ching Chen, RN

+886 988031533 dreampatty11@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stroke trials