Effect Of Electromyographic Biofeedback Therapy On The Swallowing Function In Post-stroke Dysphagia

Objective: Dysphagia after stroke is a complication that seriously affects the quality of life and endangers their life of stroke patients,which significantly hinders the return to family and society.This article aims to evaluate the effect of intensive electromyographic biofeedback therapy(EMGBF)on the swallowing function and the velocity of hyolaryngeal excursion in post-stroke dysphagia.Methods: Fourty-two patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomly divided into 3groups: conventional rehabilitation group(group A,n=15),EMGBF group(group B,n=14)and intensive EMGBF group(group C,n=13).All the 3 groups received 30 min conventional swallowing training once a day,5 days per week for 4 weeks.On this basis,EMGBF group additionally provided with 15 min EMGBF once a day,5 days a week for4 weeks while those in the intensive EMGBF group received 15 min EMGBF twice a day,5 days a week for 4 weeks.The Videofluoroscopy Swallowing Study(VFSS)was carried out to measure the excursion distances and the movement time when swallowing the semi-liquid diet,then calculated the corresponding velocity.At the same time,VGF,Penetration-Aspiration Scale(PAS)were also used to evaluate the swallowing function before and 4 weeks after treatment.Results : No significant differences were observed among the 3 groups in any of the measurements before the treatment.After 4 weeks treatment,there was a significant improvements in scores of the VGF and PAS,as well as the superior and anterior excursion velocity of hyoid bone among the 3 groups compared with prior treatment.Compared with conventional rehabilitation group,the average scores of the VGF,Penetration-Aspiration Scale(PAS)and the superior and anterior excursion velocity of hyoid bone of EMGBF group and intensive EMGBF group increased better than that of the conventional group.Additionally,the average scores of the PAS and the superior and anterior excursion velocity of hyoid bone improved better in intensive EMGBF group than EMGBF group.Conclusion: Intensive EMGBF therapy had advantage in improving swallowing function and speeding the velocity of hyoid bone excursion.