ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effect of combining acupuncture with transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in treating post-stroke dysphagia of oral stage.Methods Thirty-nine stroke survivors with dysphagia of oral stage were randomly divided into an experimental group (n=19) and a control group (n =20).Both groups were given basic supportive treatment and rehabilitation,including rTMS for 4 weeks.The experimental group additionally received acupuncture.Modified barium swallowing impairment profiles (MBSImPs) and oral transit time (OTT) were used to assess both groups after the intervention.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups before the treatment.After the treatment the average MBSImP score (8.26±2.92) and OTT (12.79±2.54)s were significantly better in the experimental group compared to before the treatment and compared to the control group's averages.In the control group a significant improvement was observed only in the average MBSImP score (10.60±4.09),but not in the average OTT.Conclusions Acupuncture combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation has positive effects on poststroke dysphagia of the oral stage.It is worthy of application and popularization.