Surface electromyography-based biofeedback for treating dysphagia after radiation therapy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the effect of surface electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG BFB) combined with routine swallow training in treating dysphagia among those with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation therapy.Methods Fifty dysphagic patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation therapy were randomly divided into a biofeedback training group and a routine treatment group,each of 25.Both groups were given routine training including orofacial function training,sensory irritation,behavioral swallowing training,and electrical stimulation.The biofeedback group was additionally given behavioral swallowing training based on sEMG BFB.Before and 4 weeks after the treatment,a videofluoroscopic swallowing study was performed to observe the opening of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES).The penetration aspiration scale (PAS) and the functional oral intake scale (FOIS) were used to evaluate the subjects' swallowing function.Results Before the treatment there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of UES opening,average PAS score or average FOIS score.Everyone improved significantly after the treatment,but compared with the routine treatment group,UES opening was significantly better after the treatment,the average PAS score was lower and the average FOIS score was higher in the biofeedback training group.Conclusion sEMG BFB combined with routine swallowing training can improve the UES opening and swallowing ability of dysphagic patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma after radiation therapy.