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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
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.
traditional dysphagia therapy
Chiayi Christian Hospital
Chiayi City, Taiwan
Functional Oral Intake
Swallowing function was assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), an ordinal scale that reflects the functional level of oral intake in patients with dysphagia.
Time frame: The time frame included four assessment points: at baseline, after 1 week of treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment, and at a 2-week follow-up.
Swallowing function assessment
Swallowing function was assessed using the self-administered Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10, Chinese version).
Time frame: The time frame included four assessment points: at baseline, after 1 week of treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment, and at a 2-week follow-up.
Swallowing quality of life
This questionnaire is designed to investigate the impact of dysphagia caused by various conditions on quality of life and is applicable to all populations with swallowing difficulties. The Swallowing Quality of Life Questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) consists of 44 items across 11 domains, including: burden, eating duration, eating desire, symptom frequency, food selection, communication, fear, mental health, social functioning, fatigue, and sleep.
Time frame: The time frame included four assessment points: at baseline, after 1 week of treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment, and at a 2-week follow-up.
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