The effects of traditional Chinese medicine sensory stimulation combined with transcranial direct current stimulation on deglutition and related complications in stroke patients with dysphagia: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Stroke is a serious manifestation of a variety of cerebrovascular diseases and can cause significant morbidity and mortality. This study explored the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) sensory stimulation combined with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on swallowing function and related complications in stroke patients with dysphagia.

METHODS: A total of 60 stroke patients with deglutition dysfunction admitted to our hospital from August 2019 to January 2021 were selected as research subjects. The patients were randomized into 3 different treatment groups, namely, the TCM group, the tDCS group, and the TCM combined with tDCS group (the combined group). Water swallowing tests (WSTs) were conducted to compare the swallowing function before and after treatment. Video fluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSS) were conducted to analyze the scores of the oral phase, pharyngeal phase, and degree of aspiration. Brain activation and brain volume were examined using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

RESULTS: The WST and VFSS scores in the combined treatment group were significantly higher than that observed in the other two groups (P<0.05). The fMRI demonstrated that the brain activation volume in the combined treatment group was also greater than that in the other two groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: TCM combined with tDCS significantly improved deglutition and complications in stroke patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-TRC-12001972. Keywords: Traditional Chinese medicine sensory stimulation (TCM sensory stimul.