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Mechanisms of Air-pulse Pharyngeal Sensory Stimulation Regulation Post-stroke Swallowing Neural Network Remodeling Via TRPV4 Channel
Sponsor: First People's Hospital of Foshan
Summary
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial will investigate the effects and potential neural mechanisms of pharyngeal air-pulse sensory stimulation in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. A total of 80 participants with swallowing impairment after stroke will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either an active stimulation group or a sham stimulation group. Both groups will receive conventional swallowing rehabilitation, while the active group will additionally receive pharyngeal air-pulse sensory stimulation and the control group will receive sham stimulation for 2 weeks. Swallowing function and neurophysiological changes will be assessed before and after the intervention. Assessments will include clinical swallowing evaluations, videofluoroscopic swallowing study, surface electromyography, resting-state and task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging, and diffusion kurtosis imaging. The study aims to determine whether pharyngeal air-pulse sensory stimulation can improve swallowing function and to explore associated changes in swallowing-related sensory-motor brain networks after stroke.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 76 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
80
Start Date
2026-08-01
Completion Date
2029-12-31
Last Updated
2026-08-24
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Air-Pulse Sensory Stimulation
Active pharyngeal air-pulse sensory stimulation is delivered using a pharyngeal air-pulse sensory stimulation device. The stimulation site is the anterior wall of the piriform sinus or the aryepiglottic fold. Air-pulse stimulation is delivered at a frequency of 48 pulses per minute, with 1 minute of stimulation alternating with 1 minute of rest, for a total session duration of 20 minutes and approximately 480 air pulses per session.
sham intervention
Sham pharyngeal air-pulse sensory stimulation is delivered using the same device. The catheter insertion procedure, placement method, and duration are kept consistent with those used in the active stimulation group to maintain blinding.