Abstract: Objective To observe the effect of mirror therapy on acute stroke dysphagia. Methods 60 patients with dysphagia were randomly divided into treatment group (n=30) and control group (n=30). The control group received routine dysphagia rehabilitation and intermittent oral gastric tube feeding, while the treatment group received mirror therapy in addition. They were assessed with Kubota water-drinking test and swallowing videofluoroscopy 4 weeks after treatment, and the incidence of aspiration were recorded. Results The oral transit time, swallowing reaction time, pharyngeal transit time, laryngeal closure duration improved in the treatment group compared with the control group in swallowing videofluoroscopy (P<0.05). The total effective rate was obviously higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05), with the lower incidence of aspiration pneumonia (P<0.05). Conclusion Mirror therapy may promote the recovery of swallowing function after acute stroke, and reduce the risk of aspiration.

Key words: stroke, dysphagia, mirror therapy, aspiration