OBJECTIVETo observe the effect on post-stroke dysphagia treated with acupuncture of meridian differentiation.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty patients of post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into an observation group (67 cases) and a control group (63 cases). Conventional medication and rehabilitation training were applied in the two groups. In the observation group, acupuncture based on meridian differentiation was adopted. The main acupoints were Neiguan (PC 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Fengchi (GB 20), Lianquan (CV 23), Jialianquan (Extra), Jinjin (EX-HN 12), Yuye (EX-HN 13), etc. The supplementary points were selected according to different patterns/syndromes. In the control group, the points were selected 5 cm lateral to the acupoints used in the observation groups and stimulated with shallow puncture. The needles were retained for 30 min, once daily, 5 treatments a week and continuously for 6 weeks in the two groups. Separately, before treatment, in 6 weeks after treatment and in follow-up after 3 months, the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA), the video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), the modified Barthel index (MBI) and the swallowing related quality of life (SWAL-QOL) were observed in the two groups and the efficacy was assessed.

RESULTSIn 6 weeks of treatment, the scores of SSA, VFSS, MBI and SWAL-QOL were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment (<0.01,<0.05) in the patients of the two groups. The results in the observation group were better apparently than those in the control group (<0.01,<0.05). In follow-up after 3 months, the scores of SSA, MBI and SWAL-QOL were improved apparently as compared with those before treatment in thepatients of the two groups (all<0.01), in which, MBI score was improved apparently as compared with that in 6 weeks of treatment in the patients of the two groups (both<0.05). Those scores in the observation group were improved apparently as compared with those in the control group (<0.01,<0.05). In 6 weeks of treatment and in 3 months of follow-up, the effective rates in the observation group were 91.8% (56/61) and 93.4% (57/61), better than 80.0% (44/55) and 85.5% (47/55) in the control group separately, indicating the significant difference (both<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe acupuncture of meridian differentiation improves significantly swallowing function and survival quality in patients of stroke.