Acupuncture plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training for post-stroke deglutition disorders: a randomized controlled trial

To observe the effect of Tongguan Liqiao (opening orifices) needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training in treating post-stroke deglutition disorders.

A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. A total of 120 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method, with 60 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with routine treatments. The control group was treated with additional tongue pressure resistance feedback training, and the observation group was treated with additional Tongguan Liqiao needling based on the same intervention in the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated, and the complications that occurred during treatment were summarized. The FUJISHIMA Ichiro food intake level scale (FILS) and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) were scored before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment.

The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After 4 weeks of treatment, the FILS and SWAL-QOL scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment, and the scores in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the complication occurrence between the two groups (P>0.05).

On the basis of routine treatments, Tongguan Liqiao needling plus tongue pressure resistance feedback training has a better effect in the treatment of post-stroke deglutition disorders. This method can effectively improve the swallowing function of patients, improve the quality of life, and is safe.