Objective: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies based on the western conventional treatment and rehabilita tion training for stroke dysphagia.
Methods: Sixty patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomized assigned into a low frequency (2 Hz) group and a high frequency (100 Hz) group, 30 cases in each one. Basic treatment was applied in the two groups. The acupoints were Fengfu (GV 16) and Lianquan (CV 23). EA with continuous wave and tolerant intensity were connected for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. The main index was video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) to detect passing time at oral stage, pharynx delay time at pharyngeal stage, passing time at pharynx stage. The second indexes were water swallow test rating and standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). The clinical effect was evaluated.
Results: After treatment, the passing time at oral stage, pharynx delay time at pharyngeal stage, passing time at pharynx stage were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all P <0.05), and the results in the low frequency group were better (all P <0.05). After treatment, the water swallow test rating improved in the two groups (both P<0.05), and that in the low frequency group was better (P<0.05). The SSA score decreased in the two groups (both P<0.05), and the improvement in the lower frequency group was superior to that in the high frequency group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the low frequency group was 93.3% (28/30), which was better than 66.7% (20/30) in the high frequency group (P<0.05). .
Conclusion: The effect of EA with lower frequency is better than that of EA with higher frequency for stroke dysphagia.
Keywords: Point CV 23 (Lianquan); Point GV 16 (Fengfu); different frequency; dysphagia after stroke; electroacupuncture.