Effectiveness of Video-game Based Swallowing Function Training in Patients With Dysphagia

Effectiveness of Video-game Based Swallowing Function Training in Patients With Dysphagia: a Randomized, Single-blind, Controlled Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effect of video-game on swallowing function in patients with dysphagia through a randomized controlled trial and whether it has additional benefits in improving swallowing function and training compliance compared with conventional training methods. The main questions it aims to answer are:

• How effective is video-game based rehabilitation for dysphagia?
• Whether video-game based has additional benefits in improving swallowing function and training compliance compared with conventional training methods Participants will be divided into two groups, with one group completing video game rehabilitation and one group completing conventional rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. first-episode stroke, as confirmed by brain CT or MRI;
2. diagnosis of dysphagia after stroke according to the Toronto Bedside Swallowing Screening Test (TOR-BSST);
3. age between 18 and 80 years;
4. no significant cognitive impairment, able to execute instructions correctly, and with Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24;
5. clear consciousness as assessed by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. dysphagia caused by structural lesions (eg, radiotherapy, previous extensive surgery of the head and neck region such as laryngectomy and cordectomy);
2. combined with serious heart, lung, liver, kidney diseases, and hematological disorders;
3. limb deficiency or paralysis, blindness in both eyes, severe visual impairments;
4. motion sickness or vestibular dysfunction;
5. history of epilepsy, malignancy or other neurological diseases;
6. pregnancy or breastfeeding.