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Biofeedback as an Adjunctive Treatment for Post-stroke Dysphagia: A Pilot-Randomized Controlled Trial
Sara Nordio1, Giorgio Arcara2, Giulia Berta2
1IRCCS San Camillo Hospital, Via Alberoni 70, 30126, Venice, Lido di Venezia, Italy. sara.nordio@ospedalesancamillo.net.
Dysphagia
|November 12, 2021
Summary
Surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback effectively improves swallowing function in post-stroke dysphagia patients. This technique enhances pharyngeal clearance and safe swallowing, reducing aspiration risks and malnutrition.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Post-stroke dysphagia impacts nearly half of survivors, significantly reducing quality of life.
- Swallowing rehabilitation is crucial, yet evidence for optimal strategies remains limited.
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) offers real-time muscle activity feedback, acting as an adjunctive biofeedback technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sEMG-based biofeedback rehabilitation for post-stroke dysphagia.
- To compare sEMG-biofeedback with standard swallowing rehabilitation techniques.
- To assess improvements in swallowing function and safety.
Main Methods:
- A pilot randomized controlled trial involving 17 post-stroke dysphagia patients.
- Intervention group received sEMG-biofeedback rehabilitation (n=9).
- Control group received standard treatment (n=7), with one dropout. Outcomes measured by Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).
Main Results:
- All patients showed improved FOIS scores, irrespective of treatment.
- sEMG-biofeedback group demonstrated significant improvements in pharyngeal clearance and swallowing safety.
- Rehabilitative effects were sustained at a 2-month follow-up.
Conclusions:
- sEMG-based biofeedback is an effective rehabilitative technique for post-stroke dysphagia.
- It particularly enhances pharyngeal clearance and swallowing safety.
- This approach can reduce the risks of aspiration and malnutrition in stroke survivors.
