[Effect of acupuncture on dysphagia of convalescent stroke patients]

To discuss the therapeutic effect on dysphagia of the convalescent stroke by combination of the body acupuncture, the scalp acupuncture and the electric acupuncture could be better than that by routine rehabilitation training.

148 patients with dysphagia of convalescent stroke were randomly assigned to the acupuncture group and rehabilitation group, 74 in each group. Fengchi (GB20), Wangu (GB12), Yifeng (SJ17), Lian-quan (RN23), Jinjin (EX-HN12), Yuye (EX-HN12) on the affected side were needled, and the scalp acupuncture was needled. The body acupuncture, the electric acupuncture, and the scalp acupuncture were applied in combination in the acupuncture group. The acupuncture was performed once a day, five times as one therapeutic course, 2 -4 courses totally. Rehabilitation training was performed by language therapists in the control group. The main outcomes were assessed with both intention-to-treat analysis and on-treatment/per-protocol analysis at the same time. The value of number needed to treat (NNT)/number needed to harm (NNH) and their 95% confidence intervals were also reported. The secondary outcomes were assessed by the end of the treatment.

The recovery rate assessed by Watian swallowing ability, water drinking test in the acupuncture group were better than those of the control group by the end of the treatment and three months after treatment (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the pulmonary infection rate and the mortality or in the 6-month mortality after treatment by the end of the treatment between the two groups (P>0.05). The compliance was 100% in the two groups. No adverse reaction occurred in the acupuncture group.

Acupuncture for dysphagia of convalescent stroke was better than routine rehabilitation training with safety and high tolerance.