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A Free-breathing fMRI Method to Study Human Olfactory Function
Published on: July 30, 2017
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Randomised trial protocol to assess efficacy of modified olfactory training method for patients with postinfectious
Jiatong Xie1,2, Yankun Li1,2, Hong He3
1Department of Otolaryngology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.
BMJ Open
|December 23, 2025
Summary
This study compares modified olfactory training (MOT) using nasal drug delivery to conventional olfactory training (COT) for postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD). The goal is to improve olfactory ability and related neurological measures over 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Postinfectious olfactory dysfunction (PIOD) significantly impacts quality of life.
- Current treatments for PIOD have limited efficacy.
- Novel therapeutic approaches are needed to restore olfactory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the therapeutic effect of modified olfactory training (MOT) using a bi-directional nasal drug delivery system.
- To compare the efficacy of MOT with conventional olfactory training (COT).
- To assess changes in olfactory function, olfactory bulb volume, and brain activity.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre, randomised, controlled trial involving patients with PIOD.
- Participants allocated to three groups: MOT, COT, or control (no intervention).
- Olfactory training intervention duration of 12 months, with olfactory ability assessed using the Sniffin' Stick test (TDI score).
Main Results:
- Primary outcome: Improvement in total Threshold, Discrimination, Identification (TDI) score from baseline.
- Secondary outcomes: Changes in olfactory bulb volume, olfactory-related brain area volume, and nerve-related potentials.
- Subjective assessments of olfactory function will also be recorded.
Conclusions:
- This study protocol outlines a rigorous evaluation of a novel olfactory training method for PIOD.
- Findings will inform the development of more effective treatments for olfactory dysfunction.
- Results are expected to be published in BMJ Open.
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