Effect of modified air-pulse stimulation on tracheotomised patients with dysphagia after stroke: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke dysphagia is highly prevalent, particularly among severe cases requiring tracheotomy, imposing significant physical and financial burdens on patients. Currently, targeted interventions specifically designed to improve swallowing function in this tracheotomised stroke population remain limited.

METHODS

This study enrolled 47 subacute stroke patients with tracheotomy and dysphagia, randomized into control and trial groups. Both groups received personalized swallowing rehabilitation training, with the control group undergoing conventional air-pulse stimulation and the trial group receiving modified flexible endoscopy-mediated stimulation. Swallowing function was assessed via the Murray Secretion Scale, Penetration-Aspiration Scale, and spontaneous swallowing frequency. Additionally, the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score assessed pneumonia severity, while hemoglobin and serum prealbumin levels evaluated nutritional status.

RESULTS

There was no statistical difference on the baseline between the 2 groups (P > .5). The patients in the trial group performed significantly better than the control group in all outcome indicators such as MMS (P < .01), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (P < .01), spontaneous swallowing frequency (P < .01), Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score (P < .01), hemoglobin (P < .05), and prealbumin (P < .0001), with statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Modified air-pulse stimulation is an effective therapy for improving swallowing function in tracheotomized stroke patients with dysphagia.