Investigation of the Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Techniques on Suprahyoid Muscles and Swallowing Function in Acute Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

Summary

This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of sensory, motor, and modified combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) protocols on swallowing function in patients with acute stroke-related dysphagia. The study compares traditional swallowing rehabilitation alone with three NMES-assisted intervention protocols to determine their impact on swallowing safety, efficiency, and rehabilitation outcomes. Ultrasonographic assessment of hyoid-laryngeal motion will be used as the primary instrumental outcome.

Conditions

• Dysphagia
• Stroke
• Hemiparesis

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Conventional Swallowing Therapy

Participants receive only conventional swallowing therapy without neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Conventional swallowing therapy consists of structured swallowing exercises and compensatory strategies administered by a therapist, including effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuver, tongue base exercises, and postural adjustments as clinically indicated. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes for a total of 10 sessions.

DEVICE

Vitalstim-Sensory NMES

Participants receive sensory-level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the suprahyoid muscles using a therapeutic stimulator. Stimulation is delivered at sensory threshold without visible muscle contraction. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes for a total of 10 sessions. In addition, participants receive conventional swallowing therapy consisting of structured swallowing exercises and compensatory strategies, including effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuver, tongue base exercises, and postural adjustments as clinically indicated.

DEVICE

Vitalstim-Motor NMES

Participants receive motor-level neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the suprahyoid muscles using a therapeutic stimulator, eliciting visible muscle contraction. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes for a total of 10 sessions. In addition, participants receive conventional swallowing therapy consisting of structured swallowing exercises and compensatory strategies, including effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuver, tongue base exercises, and postural adjustments as clinically indicated.

DEVICE

Vitalstim-Combine NMES

Participants receive combined neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) applied to the suprahyoid muscles using a therapeutic stimulator. Motor-level NMES is applied to the hemiparetic side, while sensory-level NMES is applied to the contralateral side within the same session. Sessions last approximately 30 minutes for a total of 10 sessions. In addition, participants receive conventional swallowing therapy consisting of structured swallowing exercises and compensatory strategies, including effortful swallow, Mendelsohn maneuver, tongue base exercises, and postural adjustments as clinically indicated.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University

  collaborator OTHER

• Hacettepe University

  collaborator OTHER

• Istanbul Arel University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Rabia KUM GÜLER, PhD(c), PT · Istanbul Arel U

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-06-01

Primary Completion

2026-09-30

Completion

2026-12-30

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations