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Swallowing Difficulties in People Over 60 Years: Prevalence, Degree of Difficulty and Intervention
Led by Lisa Tuomi · Updated on 2026-04-27
99
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
52 weeks
Total Duration
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AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in people over 60 years old to better understand how common these problems are, how severe they can be, and how different treatments might help. This study includes participants from the Swedish Cardio Pulmonary bioimage study (SCAPIS2) who show signs of swallowing difficulty. The goal is to improve how swallowing problems are diagnosed and treated in an aging population. Participants with moderate to severe dysphagia are randomly assigned to one of three groups: one group does muscle strengthening exercises involving "head-ups" performed three times daily for six weeks; another group receives skill-based swallowing training led by a speech and language pathologist over 15 sessions in three weeks, using different foods and drinks to improve swallowing coordination; and a control group receives information and advice on compensatory strategies for swallowing difficulties. During the study, researchers assess swallowing function using a flexible endoscopic evaluation, focusing mainly on the penetration-aspiration score before and after the six-week intervention. Secondary outcomes include symptoms related to dysphagia, tongue strength, body composition, costs of intervention, self-perceived swallowing ability, and quality of life measures up to 12 months after intervention. Participants complete questionnaires and undergo various assessments to monitor swallowing efficiency and safety throughout the study period.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Swallowing Difficulties in People Over 60 Years: Prevalence, Degree of Difficulty and Intervention
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Participation in SCAPIS2
- Swallowing dysfunction according to timed water swallow test or self-report
You will not qualify if you...
- Severely impaired intellectual abilities
- Inability to consent to inclusion in the study
- Inability to answer written questionnaires in Swedish
- No signs of aspiration, slow swallowing (<10 ml/sec) or self-rated difficulties with eating and swallowing in sub-study SCAPIS2 (for control cohort)
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.
Duration - 3 to 6 weeks depending on assigned intervention
Participants receive either muscular strengthening training daily for 6 weeks, skill-based swallowing training during 15 sessions over 3 weeks, or compensatory treatment with advice on dysphagia management.
15 in-person training sessions over 3 weeks or daily exercises for 6 weeks
Duration - Up to 12 months post-intervention
Participants are monitored for up to 12 months after the intervention to assess swallowing function, symptoms, strength, body composition, and quality of life.
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden, 43362
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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