CTAR-SwiFt
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Chin tuck against resistance with feedback: swallowing rehabilitation in frail older people admitted to hospital with pneumonia. A feasibility randomised controlled study of two types of rehabilitation exercise using chin tuck against resistance to improve swallowing, eating and drinking.
IRAS ID
273240
Contact name
David G Smithard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Lewsiham and Greenwich NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN12813363
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 5 days
Research summary
Many older people are admitted to hospital with a chest infection. This is frequently attributed to aspiration (entry of food, liquid or saliva into the airway. Aspiration is may be associated with swallowing problems. When admitted to hospital people may be denied food and water for a period of time and also lose muscle strength. Research has suggested that if older people undergo a period of rehabilitation for their swallow, there are more likely to eat more, swallow safely and less likely to be readmitted to hospital. Many exercises have been suggested to improve swallowing including those that strengthen neck muscles and the ability to protect the airway reducing aspiration. These exercises can be difficult to do, when old and frail and lack consistency of effort. We propose to undertake a randomised study to see whether neck exercises associated with visual feedback via a tablet/ mobile phone in a structured exercise programme can improve the ability to swallow and eat in frail older adults. We have developed a ball with a pressure sensor that links to a mobile phone or tablet. This will set the level of exercise and provide visual feedback to encourage consistency of effort. The tablet/phone will also record how often the exercises are undertaken compared to what is expected. The exercises will continue for 12 weeks. People will be followed up monthly if in the exercise arms or 3 monthly if in the group that doe snot get the exercises. Follow up will continue for a further 12 weeks.
This is a feasibility study to see whether such a research study is able to recruit people, whether the device works and is usable.REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/NW/0009
Date of REC Opinion
16 Mar 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion