Objective To observe the clinical effect of Xingnao Kaiqiao needling combined with respiratory training on swallowing function

quality of life and throat surface muscle function in patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Methods A total of 124 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were randomized into an observation group and a control group

62 cases in each group. On the basis of conventional western medication treatment

respiratory training was applied in the control group

once daily

5 times a week for 4 weeks. On the base of the treatment as the control group

Xingnao Kaiqiao needling was applied at Neiguan(PC6)

Sanyinjiao(SP6)

Fengchi(GB20)

Wangu(GB12)

Yifeng(SJ17)

posterior pharyngeal wall

Shuigou(GV26) and Lianquan(CV23) in the observation group

once daily

6 times a week for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment

the Kubota water swallowing test(KWST) scale

swallowing function

swallowing-quality of life(SWAL-QOL) scale

maximum amplitude of pharyngeal surface electromyography(sEMG)

and complications of dysphagia were observed and recorded. Results After the treatment

self-comparison showed that the KWST and swallowing function scores were significantly decreased(P<0.05)

the SWAL-QOL score and sEMG were notably increased in both groups(P<0.05) in comparison with their own pre-treatment. The KWST and swallowing function scores were obviously lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05)

whereas the SWAL-QOL score and sEMG were evidently higher in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05). The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.16%(59/62)

which was higher than 80.65%(50/62) of the control group(P<0.05). The incidence of dysphagia complications in the observation group was 24.19%(15/62)

which was lower than 50.00%(31/62) of the control group(P<0.01). Conclusion Xingnao Kaiqiao needling combined with respiratory training in the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia can increase the activity of throat muscles

promote the swallowing function

improve the quality of life

and reduce the incidence of dysphagia related complications.