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Acupuncture Treatment for Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Prospective, Multicenter Clinical Study of a Cohort-Based Embedded Partially Randomized Preference Trial
Led by First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine · Updated on 2026-03-25
3232
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying post-stroke dysphagia (difficulty swallowing after a stroke) by examining the effects of acupuncture treatments. This study uses a nested design with two parts: a prospective multicenter cohort study and an embedded partially randomized preference trial. The goal is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and health economic value of different acupuncture protocols combined with Western medicine, aiming to provide evidence-based guidance for treating this condition. The study includes two acupuncture approaches. One group receives the "Tongguan Liqiao" acupuncture method, following international and national standards for point selection and operation. The other group receives conventional acupuncture protocols specific to each research center. Patients with a preference for one method choose that group, while those without preference are randomly assigned to either group. Treatments focus on specific acupuncture points and follow strict protocols that cannot be altered once set. Participants will be enrolled between April 2026 and December 2027 and followed through the treatment period. Researchers will assess swallowing function as the primary outcome, measuring the proportion of participants responding to treatment within 14 days. Patients' vital signs, ability to cooperate, and overall health will be monitored. The study emphasizes both clinical effects and the economic value of integrating acupuncture with Western medical treatments for post-stroke dysphagia.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Dysphagia: A Clinical Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 80 years old, no gender restrictions
- Diagnosis of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke confirmed by CT or MRI, with disease duration within one year
- Diagnosed with dysphagia, with Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) grade 2-4
- Stable vital signs and able to understand and cooperate with study procedures
- Patient or legal representative agrees to sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Dysphagia caused by neurological disorders other than stroke or by organic lesions such as tumors
- Psychiatric disorders or severe cognitive impairment preventing cooperation with treatment
- Expected survival time less than 3 months
- Allergy to contrast medium
- Severe needle phobia preventing tolerance of acupuncture
- Pregnant, planning pregnancy, or lactating women
- Participation in other clinical trials or acupuncture treatment within the past week
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Up to 2 weeks
Participants receive acupuncture treatment for post-stroke dysphagia using either the Tongguan Liqiao technique or conventional acupuncture protocols.
Multiple visits during treatment period as per protocol
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Xiaonong Fan
Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, China, 300193
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How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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