Effects of swallowing training combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation on dysphagia after ischemic stroke

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effects of swallowing training combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation on dysphagia after ischemic stroke.  Methods A total of 68 patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke were divided into control group (N = 34, receiving swallowing training and feeding strategies) and combined treatment group (N = 34, receiving swallowing training, feeding strategies and low-frequency electrical stimulation). Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Study (VFSS) and Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) were used to evaluate the swallowing function of patients in 2 groups before and after 15 d of treatment. Results According to Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification, 34 patients in control group were classified into 12 cases with total anterior circulation infarct (TACI), 8 cases with partial anterior circulation infarct (PACI), 10 cases with posterior circulation infarct (POCI) and 4 cases with lacunar infarct (LACI); 34 patients in combined treatment group were classified into 10 cases with TACI, 7 cases with PACI, 11 cases with POCI and 6 cases with LACI. Compared with before treatment, the VFSS score increased (P = 0.003, 0.000), while SSA score decreased (P = 0.003, 0.000) in both groups. Compared with control group, the VFSS score increased (P = 0.004), while SSA score decreased (P = 0.020) in combined treatment group.  Conclusions Swallowing training combined with low-frequency electrical stimulation can significantly improve the swallowing capacity of patients with acute ischemic stroke, and the effect is better than mere swallowing training.

DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1672-6731.2015.04.007