| Objective: To explore the efficacy of the four-step acupuncture technique for promoting qi circulation and clearing the throat combined with tDCS in the treatment of dysphagia due to stroke. Methods: Totally, 118 patients in our hospital were selected and randomly separated into the electrical stimulation group of 59 cases (tDCS) and the experimental group of 59 cases (Kaiqiao Liyan four-step acupuncture + tDCS). Swallowing function before and after treatment ［using the water swallowing test (WST), MD Anderson dysphagia inventory (MDADI), modified Mann swallowing ability assessment (MASA)］, surface electromyography (swallowing time and maximum amplitude of the upper and lower hyoid muscles), cortical function ［motor evoked potential (MEP), resting movement threshold (RMT)］, and quality of life ［swallowing disorder specific quality of life scale (SWAL-QOL)］ were evaluated. The clinical efficacy of two groups was compared. Results: The efficacy of the experimental group was better (P<0.05). After treatment, the WST grades of both groups decreased (P<0.01), with the experimental group being lower than the electrical stimulation group (P<0.05). The MASA and MDADI scores of both groups increased (P<0.01), with the experimental group being higher than the electrical stimulation group (P<0.05 for the former, P<0.01 for the latter). The swallowing duration of the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle groups of both groups was shortened, with the experimental group being shorter than the electrical stimulation group. The maximum amplitude values of both groups increased, with the experimental group being higher than the electrical stimulation group. The MEP amplitudes and RMT levels of both groups increased, with the experimental group be-ing higher than the electrical stimulation group. The SWAL-QOL scores of both groups increased, with the experimental group being higher than the electrical stimulation group (P<0.01).Conclusion: The combination of the four step acupuncture method of opening the orifice and clearing the throat with tDCS can impr-ove the clinical efficacy of swallowing disorders in stroke patients and effectively improve their swallowing function. Swallowing related muscle electrophysiological activities regulate the functional status of the cerebral cortex and improve patients' quality of life. |
