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Enrolling by Invitation

NCT Number: NCT07564921

Nutritional Status and Muscle Function in Ambulatory Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Dysphagia

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between dysphagia severity and indicators of nutritional status and muscle function in ambulatory patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who have swallowing difficulties. In patients with MS, the prevalence of swallowing disorders increases with disease duration and greater neurological involvement. Dysphagia may lead to important clinical consequences such as aspiration risk, inadequate oral intake, involuntary weight loss, and reduced quality of life.

Swallowing difficulties negatively affect both the adequacy and safety of nutrition, thereby increasing the risk of malnutrition. In addition, reduced energy and protein intake may lead to a decline in muscle strength and functional capacity.

However, in the MS population, dysphagia, nutritional status, and muscle function are often evaluated separately, and studies that assess these domains together are limited. There is a need for real-world data in ambulatory MS patients, particularly using age-independent nutritional screening tools and functional muscle assessment tests in combination.

This study aims to systematically and multidisciplinary evaluate nutritional status and muscle function in MS patients with dysphagia.

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Key information

Conditions

Multiple Sclerosis Autoimmune Diseases Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System Demyelinating Autoimmune Diseases, CNS Demyelinating Diseases Immune System Diseases Nervous System Diseases Nutrition Swallowing

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Sanko Unıversıtesı

Gaziantep, şehitkamil, 27500, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

This study is a cross-sectional observational research conducted in ambulatory patients diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) who experience swallowing difficulties. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria will be informed about the study, and written informed consent will be obtained prior to enrollment.

Demographic and clinical data of the participants (such as age, gender, and disease duration) will be recorded. Swallowing function will be assessed using validated dysphagia screening and/or assessment tools.

Nutritional status will be evaluated using standardized nutritional screening tools and/or anthropometric measurements (such as body weight, height, and body mass index). Muscle function will be assessed using functional measures, including handgrip strength and/or other appropriate muscle performance tests.

The collected data will be statistically analyzed to investigate the relationship between dysphagia severity, nutritional status, and muscle function. No invasive procedures will be performed in this study; only observational and measurement-based assessments will be conducted.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Have a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis according to the 2017 Revised McDonald criteria
  • Have difficulty swallowing (DYMUS >1)
  • EDSS score must be available in clinical records
  • Possess sufficient cognitive and physical capacity to participate in the questionnaires and assessments to be administered as part of the study

Exclusion criteria

  • 1. A recent acute MS relapse or use of high-dose corticosteroids within the past 4 weeks 2. Acute orthopedic or traumatic conditions that prevent the performance of measurements 3. Severe cognitive impairment that prevents understanding or performing the tests 4. Being pregnant or breastfeeding 5. Presence of active malignancy or advanced systemic disease 6. Having any pathology in the cervical region

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Body weight and height

    Time frame: 2 months

    These will be measured in accordance with standard anthropometric measurement protocols. Height will be measured using a stadiometer with participants standing in the Frankfurt plane. Body weight will be measured with a calibrated digital scale accurate to 0.1 kg. Body mass index (BMI) will be calculated by dividing body weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters.

  2. Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10)

    Time frame: 2 months

    Developed by Belafsky and colleagues , this is a 10-item self-report scale that assesses the severity of dysphagia as perceived by the patient. Each item is scored on a scale of 0-4, and the total score ranges from 0 to 40. A total score of 3 or higher indicates a clinically significant risk of dysphagia. The validity and reliability of the scale in Turkish were established by Demir and colleagues.

  3. Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS)

    Time frame: 2 months

    Dysphagia in Multiple Sclerosis (DYMUS): DYMUS is a 10-item self-administered questionnaire requiring "yes/no" responses, developed to assess symptoms and signs of swallowing difficulties specific to multiple sclerosis (MS) in relation to solid and liquid foods. The validity and reliability study of the Turkish version was conducted by Arslan and colleagues, and it has been demonstrated that the Turkish version is a valid and reliable tool for assessing dysphagia in patients with MS.

  4. Yale Swallowing Protocol

    Time frame: 2 months

    A standardized swallowing screening test developed to assess the risk of aspiration and the safety of oral feeding in individuals with swallowing disorders. The protocol focuses specifically on determining the risk of aspiration during fluid intake and is used as a quick and reliable screening tool in clinical practice. The test consists of a structured procedure requiring the individual to drink approximately 90 mL (3 ounces) of water without interruption.

  5. Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST)

    Time frame: 2 months

    MUST is a short, practical, and age-independent nutritional screening tool developed to identify the risk of malnutrition in adults. It consists of three components: Body Mass Index (BMI), unintentional weight loss in the past 3-6 months, and the impact of acute illness or inability to eat. Based on the total score, individuals are classified as having low, moderate, or high risk of malnutrition. British Association for Parenteral and Enteral.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sanko University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of Nutritional Status and Muscle Function in Ambulatory Patients With Multiple Sclerosis and Dysphagia

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 4, 2026
Registry last updated
May 4, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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