Try watching swallowing movements to help improve your swallowing after stroke

Try watching swallowing movements to help improve your swallowing after stroke | stella

What is this trial?

After a stroke, many patients struggle with swallowing, which can affect nutrition, safety, and quality of life. This study tests a new approach called action observation therapy—where you watch and then copy swallowing movements—to see if it works better than standard swallowing exercises alone. Researchers will compare three groups: one receiving only traditional swallowing training, one watching swallowing videos, and one observing real family members eating at home.

Standard swallowing therapy helps many stroke patients, but some don't improve enough. This study explores whether watching real swallowing movements—in everyday situations—could activate the brain's natural learning systems better and help more patients recover the ability to swallow safely.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have had a stroke within the last 6 months and your condition is now stable
you have swallowing difficulty that was confirmed by a water swallowing test
you are between 18 and 80 years old
you can understand instructions and cooperate with treatment, based on a thinking and memory evaluation
you have good enough sitting balance to stay upright for 30 minutes
your family is willing to participate and help you practice observation therapy at home

You likely don't qualify if…

you have swallowing problems caused by something other than stroke
you have tumors, lesions, or other abnormalities in your mouth or throat
you have significant vision or hearing loss that cannot be managed
you have severe cognitive decline or emotional instability that prevents you from following treatment instructions
you have metal implants in your brain that would interfere with the study's brain imaging

What participation looks like

You will visit the hospital for assessments including swallowing tests, brain imaging (fNIRS), ultrasound, and questionnaires about your symptoms and quality of life. Then you'll be randomly assigned to one of three groups: traditional swallowing exercises alone, exercises plus watching swallowing videos, or exercises plus observing and copying real family members eating at home. The study lasts about 6 months, with regular follow-up visits to track your progress.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 13, 2026 · Not medical advice

Learning to swallow better after stroke by watching others eat

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)