ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe any therapeutic effect of stimulating acupoints on the ears of stroke survivors with dysphagia.Methods:Eighty stroke survivors with dysphagia were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 40. Both groups were given neuromuscular electrical stimulation and routine deglutition training, but the observation group was additionally provided with auricular point pressing for 4 weeks. Surface electromyography (sEMG), water swallowing tests and standardized swallowing assessments (SSAs) were used to assess the subjects′ swallowing function before and after the 4 weeks of treatment. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) and Hamilton anxiety rating scale (HAMA) were used to assess any mood improvement. The swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL) scale was used to assess the patients′ life quality.Results:After the treatment, the average deglutition time and the maximum amplitude of the masseter, orbicularis oris, submental and hyoid muscle signals of both groups had improved significantly. The average SSA, HAMA, HAMD and SWAL-QOL scores of both groups were also significantly improved as was the average swallowing time. All of the improvements were significantly greater in the observation group than in the control group.Conclusion:Auricular point acupressure has a synergistic effect with routine rehabilitation in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. It can help to reconstruct the swallowing reflex, promote the recovery of swallowing function, and improve emotions and life quality.