The Journal of Practical Medicine ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (8): 1105-1110.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-5725.2025.08.003

• Feature Reports:neuropathy • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Application of ipsilateral high⁃frequency rTMS combined with biofeedback⁃based air swallowing training in patients with post⁃stroke dysphagia

Panpan GAO1,Qian ZHANG2,Tinghui LIU2,Jie. SUN2,3()   

  1. Department of Medical Technology,Xuzhou Medical University,Xuzhou 221000,Jiangsu,China
  • Received:2024-12-03 Online:2025-04-25 Published:2025-04-30
  • Contact: Jie. SUN E-mail:8018@163.com

Abstract:

Objective To investigate the impact of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with biofeedback-assisted dry swallowing training on treating dysphagia following a stroke. Methods A total of 152 patients with dysphagia after stroke, admitted to the hospital from January 2022 to January 2024, were randomly divided into four groups using a random number table, with 38 cases in each group. The biofeedback group received biofeedback-assisted dry swallowing training, the magnetic stimulation group received high-frequency rTMS on the unaffected side, the combined group received both biofeedback-assisted dry swallowing training and high-frequency rTMS on the unaffected side, and the placebo group received conventional swallowing training and sham rTMS. All interventions lasted for 4 weeks. Clinical efficacy was recorded, and pre- and post-treatment assessments of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) opening time, opening degree, and pharyngeal contraction duration were performed using multifunctional esophageal manometry. Additionally, swallowing function, nutritional status, neurological function, and quality of life were compared. Results The clinical efficacy of the combined group was higher than that of the biofeedback and magnetic stimulation groups. Post-treatment UES opening time, opening degree, and pharyngeal contraction duration were (205.33 ± 29.01) ms, (1.14 ± 0.34) cm, and (559.19 ± 63.48) ms, respectively, which were significantly better than those in the other 3 groups (P < 0.05). The swallowing function scores of the combined group were (6.04 ± 0.83) and (20.03 ± 3.26) points, and significant improvements were observed in swallowing function, nutritional status, neurological function, and quality of life (P < 0.05). Conclusion High-frequency rTMS combined with biofeedback-based dry swallowing training significantly improves the efficacy in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke.

Key words: high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, biofeedback, air swallowing training, stroke, dysphagia

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