Study on optimization and evaluation system of traditional Chinese medicine rehabilitation program for swallowing disorder after stroke

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture has a long history in China and is currently widely used in clinical practice. However, there is no large sample data confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating stroke and its sequelae. This article presents a study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, controlled trial for evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in treating post-stroke dysphagia. METHODS/DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted in three hospitals in Heilongjiang, Changchun, and Beijing. A total of 252 patients with post-stroke swallowing ability will be randomly divided into two groups; specifically, the experimental group, which will receive acupuncture treatment, and the control group, which will undergo rehabilitation training for 2 weeks. The main results will be evaluated using the standard swallowing function scale, videofluoroscopic swallowing examination, and functional magnetic resonance imaging. The secondary observation indexes will include surface electromyography signal analysis and the modified Barthel index. Measurements will be obtained before treatment, as well as 1 week, 2 weeks, and 1 month after treatment. DISCUSSION: This trial could clarify the effectiveness of acupuncture in stroke; moreover, it will determine whether acupuncture can improve swallowing function. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR), ChiCTR2000030994.