A meta-analysis of the effect of nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke

To systematically evaluate the general efficacy of nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for the treatment of post-stroke dysphagia and in the recovery of swallowing function. METHODS: Three English databases (PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane Library) and three Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, CQVIP) were searched using the date range January 1, 2001–January 1, 2022. Study Selection: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) of nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation for the treatment of dysphagia after stroke with appropriate evaluation methods were included in the study. RESULTS: The results indicated that nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training led to higher clinical effectiveness (odds ratio (OR) =4.25 and 95% confidence interval (CI)=[2.94, 6.15]), higher videofluoroscopic swallowing study scores(VFSS) (weighted mean difference (WMD)=1.33; 95% CI=[1.09, 1.58]), and lower Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) scores (WMD = −2.57, 95% CI=[−3.51, −1.62]) in patients with post-stroke dysphagia compared with rehabilitation training alone. CONCLUSIONS: This Meta-analysis suggested that nape acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training is more effective in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke than rehabilitation alone.