Effectiveness of Video-game Based Swallowing Function Training in Patients With Dysphagia

Launched by ZHANG BOHAN · Jul 28, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how effective video game-based therapy is for helping patients with swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, after having a stroke. Researchers want to find out if using video games for rehabilitation can improve swallowing function better than traditional therapy methods. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will use video games for their therapy, while the other will use standard rehabilitation techniques.

To participate in this study, individuals should be between 18 and 80 years old and have had a first-time stroke confirmed by medical imaging. They should also have been diagnosed with dysphagia after their stroke and must be able to follow instructions. Certain health conditions, such as severe heart or kidney diseases or issues with vision, may exclude someone from joining the trial. If eligible, participants can expect to engage in either video game therapy or conventional training sessions, helping researchers determine the best approach for improving swallowing abilities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. first-episode stroke, as confirmed by brain CT or MRI;
• • 2. diagnosis of dysphagia after stroke according to the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (TOR-BSST);
• • 3. age between 18 and 80 years;
• • 4. no significant cognitive impairment, able to execute instructions correctly, and with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24;
• • 5. clear consciousness as assessed by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. dysphagia caused by structural lesions (eg, radiotherapy, previous extensive surgery of the head and neck region such as laryngectomy and cordectomy);
• • 2. combined with serious heart, lung, liver, kidney diseases, and hematological disorders;
• • 3. limb deficiency or paralysis, blindness in both eyes, severe visual impairments;
• • 4. motion sickness or vestibular dysfunction;
• • 5. history of epilepsy, malignancy or other neurological diseases;
• • 6. pregnancy or breastfeeding.