Therapeutic effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with muscle energy technique on post-stroke dysphagia

BACKGROUND: According to the Global Burden of Disease Study the prevalence of stroke worldwide has significantly increased from 1990 to 2019, making it the second leading cause of death worldwide. Approximately 70%-80% of stroke patients are unable to live independently due to disability. OBJECTIVE: To explore the therapeutic effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) combined with muscle energy technique (MET) on post-stroke dysphagia. METHODS: A total of 122 stroke patients with dysphagia admitted to our hospital from January 2017 to December 2020 were divided into the control group (n = 61) and the study group (n = 61). Patients in the control group received conventional rehabilitation plans, while those in the study group were given a combined therapy of MET and PNF. Standard Swallowing Function Assessment Scale (SSA), Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL) scores, Water Swallow Test (WST) grading, and efficacy indicators were compared between two group with t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, chi(2) test or Fisher's exact probability test. RESULTS: After treatment, the study group showed lower SSA score (P = 0.036), and VFSS, P = 0.013 than the control group. The changes in SSA score (P = 0.013) and VFSS score (P <0.001) in the study group were greater than the control group. Furthermore, after treatment, both the study group and the control group showed a decrease in WST grading (P < 0.001); and the degree of post-treatment WST grading decline in the study group was higher (P = 0.009). Besides, after treatment, the SWAL-QOL score of the study group was higher than the control group (P < 0.001); and the effective rate of patients in the study group was higher than that in the control group (P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Compared with traditional rehabilitative training strategies, PNF combined with MET can effectively improve swallowing function, and enhance the quality of life in patients with post-stroke dysphagia.