Clinical Research Directory

EEG Feedback-Based Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Post-Stroke Dysphagia

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback-guided transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) works to treat swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in adults after a stroke. It will also learn about the safety of this rehabilitation method and how it helps the brain recover. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does EEG biofeedback-guided taVNS improve the ability to eat and drink by mouth? 2. What medical problems (adverse events) do participants have during the treatment? Researchers will compare EEG biofeedback-guided taVNS (where gentle electrical stimulation to the outer ear is paired with surface brainwave monitoring during swallowing exercises) to conventional taVNS (where electrical stimulation is given at fixed times) to see which method better improves swallowing function. Participants will: 1. Receive standardized swallowing rehabilitation training for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. 2. Practice swallowing imagery exercises with non-invasive surface EEG biofeedback monitoring while receiving gentle taVNS on the outer ear for 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. 3. Complete swallowing tests, questionnaires, and brain evaluations before treatment, after the 2-week treatment, and at Week 4 for follow-up.

Motor Imagery in Post-Stroke Dysphagia

This study evaluated the effects of motor imagery added to conventional swallowing rehabilitation in patients with dysphagia after stroke. Dysphagia, or swallowing difficulty, is a common problem after stroke and may increase the risk of aspiration, pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and reduced quality of life. Participants with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly assigned to one of three groups: video-assisted motor imagery, motor imagery alone, or control. All participants received conventional swallowing rehabilitation. In addition, the video-assisted motor imagery group watched videos showing swallowing-related actions and then mentally imagined the observed movement. The motor imagery alone group performed mental imagery of swallowing without visual stimulation. The control group received only conventional swallowing rehabilitation. The intervention period lasted 4 weeks, with sessions performed twice weekly. Swallowing function was assessed before and after treatment using the Gugging Swallowing Screen, the Penetration-Aspiration Scale based on videofluoroscopic swallowing study, and the Stroke Impact Scale. The aim of the study was to determine whether motor imagery, especially when supported by video observation, provides additional benefit for swallowing recovery in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.

Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Clinical Study

Employing a nested design, a partially randomized preference study (Study II) is embedded within a prospective, multicenter cohort study (Study I). The cohort study, with acupuncture as the exposure factor, explores the clinical efficacy and health economic value of different integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatment protocols. The nested partially randomized preference study of different acupuncture protocols generates high-level evidence through randomized cohorts while supplementing real-world decision-making with preference cohort data.