Effects of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction and swallowing training on sarcopenic dysphagia in community-dwelling older people in China: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Sarcopenic dysphagia, characterised by dysphagia resulting from sarcopenia with decline of skeletal muscles and swallowing-related muscle strength and mass, poses a significant healthcare and economic burden on families and society. Swallowing training (ST) has been proven to improve dysphagia in older people with neurological disorders such as stroke. However, the effects of this training on people with sarcopenic dysphagia are limited. Considering the significant effect of sarcopenia on the pathogenesis of sarcopenic dysphagia, resistance training was incorporated into the conventional ST protocol to potentially enhance outcomes of interventions and provide additional benefits for older people with sarcopenic dysphagia. This study aims to compare the effects of resistance training combined with ST and ST alone in older people with sarcopenic dysphagia and to explore the underlying mechanism. This study is a 12-week randomised, assessors-blind controlled trial. A total of 33 community-dwelling older people with sarcopenic dysphagia will be randomised into one of the following three groups: low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction (LRT-BFR) + ST group, ST group and control group. The LRT-BFR + ST group will receive combined intervention, whereas the ST group will receive ST alone. The control group will receive health education only. Swallowing-related muscle mass and strength, swallowing function, physical outcomes associated with sarcopenia, nutritional status, quality of life, psychological outcomes and blood biomarkers will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). This randomised controlled trial systematically evaluates the efficacy of a novel intervention combining LRT-BFR and ST for community-dwelling older people with sarcopenic dysphagia whilst exploring the potential mechanisms. This study will assess whether resistance training augments ST outcomes and provides supplementary benefits for older people with sarcopenic dysphagia. The protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2500099265, registration date: March 20th, 2025). Any amendments to the study protocol will be reported at www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=261525.