Clinical observation of coiling dragon needling plus chin tuck against resistance training for post-stroke deglutition disorders

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of coiling dragon needling plus chin tuck against resistance (CTAR) training for post-stroke deglutition disorders and its impact on surface electromyography. Methods A total of 100 patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders were randomly divided into two groups, with 50 cases in each group. Both groups received the same CTAR training, and the observation group was treated with additional coiling dragon needling. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. The clinical efficacy, swallowing function, average value of the maximum amplitude of surface electromyography, quality of life, and the difference in adverse reactions were compared between the two groups. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the standardized swallowing assessment (SSA), aspiration score, and deglutition disorders score of the videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) in both groups were significantly lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). The average value of the maximum amplitude of surface electromyography in the relaxed state, dry swallowing state, and the state of swallowing water, and the swallowing quality of life questionnaire (SWAL-QOL) score were all significantly higher than those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the SSA score, VFSS aspiration score, and VFSS deglutition disorders score in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the average value of the maximum amplitude of surface electromyography in the relaxed state, dry swallowing state, and the state of swallowing water, and the SWAL-QOL score in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared to CTAR treatment alone, coiling dragon needling plus CTAR treatment can enhance the clinical efficacy in treating patients with post-stroke deglutition disorders, enhancing the contraction ability of swallowing muscles and improving their swallowing function and quality of life.