ABSTRACT
@#Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and swallowing training on acute stroke patients with dysphagia and the incidence of post-stroke pneumonia (PSP). Methods Acute stroke patients with dysphagia were divided into 3 groups. Routine group (n=188) received routine swallowing training. Stimulation group (n=196) received routine swallowing training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Acupuncture group (n=112) received routine swallowing training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and acupuncture. The incidence of improvment of dysphagia and PSP, and the improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 3 weeks were compared. They were followed up for 3 months for the incidence of PSP. Results The incidence of improvment of dysphagia was the most in the acupuncture group (P<0.05), while the incidence of PSP was the least (P<0.05). The improvement of NIHSS was the most in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The incidence of PSP was not significantly different (P>0.05) within 3 months followed up. Conclusion The acupuncture, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and swallowing training combination can improve the swallowing function and decrease the incidence of PSP in stroke patients with dysphagia.