# Effect of purpose-directed acupuncture on the pharyngeal phase in stroke patients with dysphagia based on surface electromyography: a randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study shows that purpose-directed acupuncture improves swallowing in stroke patients with dysphagia more effectively than conventional acupuncture.

## Contribution

The study introduces purpose-directed acupuncture as a novel and more effective treatment for post-stroke dysphagia.

## Key findings

- PDA significantly improved Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores compared to conventional acupuncture.
- PDA led to a significant decrease in Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) scores.
- PDA increased submental muscle activity as measured by surface electromyography.

## Abstract

Dysphagia following a stroke is a common complication that significantly impacts patients’ daily living abilities. Acupuncture has been reported to effectively alleviate post-stroke dysphagia and enhance patients’ quality of life. This study aims to compare the effects of purpose-directed acupuncture (PDA) schemes and conventional acupuncture schemes on post-stroke dysphagia using surface electromyography.

A randomized single-blind controlled study design was employed, where eligible post-stroke dysphagia patients were randomly assigned to the treatment group and control group. Both groups received 4 weeks of treatment based on either PDA or conventional acupuncture in addition to regular dysphagia rehabilitation training. After treatment, patients’ Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores, Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) scores, and surface electromyography of swallowing muscles were assessed.

The study included a total of 58 subjects, with 29 in each treatment group and control group. Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed a significant increase in FOIS scores and a decrease in SSA scores. Surface electromyography results indicated that patients in the treatment group had significantly increased Aemg and Iemg values in the submental muscle group compared to the control group.

PDA schemes may serve as a more effective treatment approach for post-stroke dysphagia, particularly showing advantages in improving submental muscle strength.

The protocol was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100053597).