Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and swallowing training on acute stroke patients with dysphagia and the incidence of post-stroke pneumonia (PSP). Methods Acute stroke patients with dysphagia were divided into 3 groups. Routine group (n=188) received routine swallowing training. Stimulation group (n=196) received routine swallowing training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Acupuncture group (n=112) received routine swallowing training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and acupuncture. The incidence of improvment of dysphagia and PSP, and the improvement of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) within 3 weeks were compared. They were followed up for 3 months for the incidence of PSP. Results The incidence of improvment of dysphagia was the most in the acupuncture group (P<0.05), while the incidence of PSP was the least (P<0.05). The improvement of NIHSS was the most in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The incidence of PSP was not significantly different (P>0.05) within 3 months followed up. Conclusion The acupuncture, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and swallowing training combination can improve the swallowing function and decrease the incidence of PSP in stroke patients with dysphagia.

Key words: stroke, pneumonia, dysphagia, acupuncture, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, swallowing training