RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07153692

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of tDCS for Dysphagia in PD

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of tDCS for Dysphagia in Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Sponsor

Wang Ping

Enrollment

58 participants

Start Date

Jul 17, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Dysphagia Parkinson's Disease and Parkinsonism

Summary

This study aims to verify transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) efficacy for Parkinson's disease (PD)-related dysphagia and its mechanism. Subjects are randomly split into two groups: control (sham tDCS + conventional dysphagia treatment) and experimental (real tDCS + conventional treatment). Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after the completion of intervention, and at the 3-month follow-up. Swallowing function will be evaluated via gold-standard videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and scales. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) or functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) will be measures for tracking changes in abnormal brain regions/networks. Correlations between swallowing recovery and brain function changes, plus group imaging differences, will reveal tDCS's neurophysiological mechanism.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 100 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is investigating whether transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) — a gentle, non-invasive brain stimulation using mild electrical current — can help with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) in people with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or progressive supranuclear palsy. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, or progressive supranuclear palsy - You have confirmed swallowing difficulties on a specialized swallowing test (VFSS) - Your cognitive function is sufficient (MMSE score above 23) - You are willing to cooperate and sign informed consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your swallowing difficulties are caused by another disease - You have pneumonia, severe heart failure, or severe kidney failure - You have metal implants in your body - You have cognitive impairment severe enough to prevent cooperation Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

DEVICEtDCS

The IS200 intelligent electrical stimulator, manufactured in Chengdu, Sichuan, will be used. The electrode pads are 4cm × 6cm in size. The anode of the electrode pad will be placed on the swallowing sensorimotor cortex (S1/M1). The specific positioning will follow the international 10-20 electroencephalographic system: the left S1/M1 area is located at the midpoint of the line connecting C3 and T3 in the left hemisphere; the right S1/M1 area is located at the midpoint of the line connecting C4 and T4 in the right hemisphere. The cathode will be placed on the contralateral supraorbital margin. The S1/M1 areas of the left and right hemispheres will be stimulated alternately, with a current intensity of 1.6mA. The treatment will be given once daily, 20 minutes per session, 5 times a week, for 2 consecutive weeks, totaling 10 sessions (5 sessions for each hemisphere).

BEHAVIORALConventional Dysphagia Treatment

1. Training for perioral muscles, tongue sensory and motor functions, including ice cotton swab stimulation, gustatory stimulation, tongue muscle movement training, etc.; 2. Airway protection training, including Mendelsohn maneuver, supraglottic swallow training, etc.;

DEVICEsham tDCS

According to previous literature, the electrode positions and treatment frequency of sham tDCS will be the same as those of real tDCS. The current will be adjusted to 0.05mA.