Randomised controlled feasibility trial of swallow strength and skill training with surface electromyographic biofeedback in acute stroke patients with dysphagia.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Swallow strength and skill training with surface electromyography (sEMG) biofeedback may improve dysphagia but little is known about the feasibility and efficacy of this intervention in acute stroke.

METHODS: We conducted a randomised controlled feasibility study in acute stroke patients with dysphagia. Participants were randomised to either usual care or usual care plus swallow strength and skill training with sEMG biofeedback. Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability. Secondary measures included swallowing and clinical outcomes, safety and swallow physiology.

RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (13 biofeedback, 14 control) with average age of 73.3 (SD 11.0) and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) of 10.7 (5.1) were recruited 22.4 (9.5) days post stroke. 84.6% of participants completed >80% of sessions; failed sessions were mainly due to participant availability, drowsiness or refusal. Sessions lasted an average of 36.2 (7.4) minutes. Although 91.7 % found the intervention comfortable with satisfactory administration time, frequency and time post stroke, 41.7% found it challenging. There were no treatment related serious adverse events. The biofeedback group had a lower Dysphagia Severity Rating Scale (DSRS) score at 2-weeks compared to control (3.2 vs 4.3), but the difference did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS: Swallow strength and skill training with sEMG biofeedback appears feasible and acceptable to acute stroke patients with dysphagia. Preliminary data suggests it is safe and further research refining the intervention and investigating treatment dose and efficacy is warranted.