Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Fine Motor Skills and Post-Stroke Swallowing

This study is investigating new ways to help people who have difficulty swallowing after a stroke. Swallowing problems are common after a stroke and can lead to a lower quality of life, breathing difficulties, and other health issues. Normally, speech therapy focuses on mouth exercises. However, we know that fine movements in the hands and mouth are linked, especially in children. This study will explore if doing hand exercises at the same time as mouth exercises could help improve swallowing in stroke patients. The idea is that these linked movements might help the brain recover better and lead to improved swallowing. This is a pilot study to see if this approach works before doing a larger trial.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

23 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

06 Jun 2026

Stroke

What is this study about?

When someone has a stroke, it can sometimes affect their ability to swallow properly. This is called dysphagia, and it's a common problem that can make eating and drinking difficult. If swallowing difficulties continue, they can lead to health problems like chest infections and generally feeling unwell. Normally, speech therapists work with stroke patients to help them improve their swallowing by doing specific exercises for the mouth and tongue, and by gently encouraging the swallowing reflex.

This study is looking at a new idea. Researchers know that the way we move our hands precisely (like picking up a small object) and the way we move our mouth and tongue for swallowing are connected in the brain. This connection has been observed in children as they develop, and now researchers want to see if it also applies to adults who have had a stroke.

The main aim of this study is to find out if doing exercises that involve both fine hand movements and mouth movements at the same time can help improve swallowing more effectively than traditional speech therapy alone. The researchers believe that by activating these linked parts of the brain together, it might encourage faster or better recovery of swallowing abilities after a stroke. This is a small, initial study to see if this approach is promising before considering a larger study.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new way to help stroke patients with swallowing problems.
It investigates if combining hand and mouth exercises can improve swallowing more effectively.
Swallowing difficulties after a stroke can lead to serious health issues.
Participants must be over 70, recently had a stroke, and have swallowing problems.
It's a pilot study, meaning it's a small, initial step before potentially larger research.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be over 70 years old and have had a stroke less than 20 days ago. You must also be experiencing problems with swallowing after your stroke.

It's important that you are signed up to a social security scheme in the UK, like the NHS, and that you are able to understand and sign a consent form to show you agree to take part.

You won't be able to join if you had swallowing problems before your stroke, or if you find it difficult to understand instructions or actively participate in the therapy sessions.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you over 70 years old?
Did you have your stroke less than 20 days ago?
Do you have swallowing difficulties after your stroke?
Can you understand directions and take part in exercises?
Do you not have swallowing problems before your stroke?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will explain everything to you in detail. We don't have specific information here about the exact number of visits, assessments, or the total duration, but typically, studies like this involve regular therapy sessions, often several times a week. During these sessions, you would likely participate in targeted exercises designed to help with swallowing, potentially including those that combine hand and mouth movements. There would also be assessments to check your progress over time. You wouldn't be taking any new medication specifically for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

While taking part in this study, you might benefit from focused therapy aimed at improving your swallowing abilities, potentially leading to a better quality of life and reduced risk of complications. As with any medical study, there's always a small chance of unforeseen risks, but the researchers will ensure your safety and comfort are priorities. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nice
Verified postcode
Nice, France

Common questions

What is dysphagia after a stroke?

Dysphagia means having difficulty swallowing. After a stroke, it can happen if the parts of the brain that control swallowing are affected.

What is 'fine motor skills'?

Fine motor skills are the small, precise movements we make with our hands and fingers, like picking up a coin or writing.

Why is this study looking at hand movements for swallowing?

Researchers believe that the parts of the brain for hand and mouth movements might be connected, and exercising both could help improve swallowing after a stroke.

Will I be taking any new medicines in this study?

No, this study is about therapy exercises, not new medications.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You are free to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect any of your other medical care.