External Pharyngeal Exerciser and Dysphagia

Launched by MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN · Jan 24, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new device called a pharyngeal exerciser to see if it can help improve swallowing in patients with dysphagia, which is a condition that makes it difficult to swallow. The main question the researchers want to answer is whether using this device can reduce the need for other treatments, like special swallowing techniques or changes in diet, to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway (aspiration).

To participate, you need to be an adult aged 65 or older with ongoing swallowing difficulties that have been confirmed through a special X-ray test. Participants will be asked to use the exerciser three times a day for six weeks and undergo another X-ray swallow study after that period to see how their swallowing has improved. It's important to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, recent cancer treatments, or those who are pregnant or have cognitive issues may not be eligible for this trial. If you're interested or think you might qualify, please consider discussing this with your healthcare provider.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with dysphagia characterized by persistent pharyngeal residue on fluoroscopic study undergoing rehabilitative intervention (e.g.: exercises, maneuvers or dietary modification) for improving swallowing and preventing aspiration
• • Healthy elderly adult (≥65 years of age).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients younger than 18 years of age.
• • Patients with recent head and neck cancer (\<1 month post-surgery or \<3 months post-chemo radiation.
• • Patients suffering from muscle diseases like muscular dystrophies, myopathies.
• • Patients with neuro-muscular junction disorders myasthenia gravis, Eaton-Lambert disorders
• • Patients having history of allergy to lidocaine or barium.
• • Patients who are pregnant or lactating.
• • Patients who are medically unstable.
• • Patients who are unable to apply the exerciser independently or with the help of a caregiver.
• • Patients who lack cognition.