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Effects of Different-Frequency Electroacupuncture on Suprahyoid Muscles in Post-Stroke Dysphagia: Efficacy and Neural Networks
Sponsor: Kaili Chen
Summary
This randomized controlled study in patients with post-stroke dysphagia aims to determine the optimal stimulation frequency of electroacupuncture of the suprahyoid muscles and to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms. Participants will be assigned to low-frequency (2 Hz), medium-frequency (50 Hz), or high-frequency (100 Hz) electroacupuncture groups. Therapeutic efficacy will be assessed using the Kubota water-drinking test, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and ultrasonography to identify the optimal frequency. In parallel, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be used to evaluate changes in fiber connectivity between swallowing-related cortical regions (bilateral precentral gyrus, insula, supramarginal gyrus, and frontal lobe) and the medullary nucleus tractus solitarius, thereby exploring neural network remodeling and providing mechanistic evidence to inform clinical practice.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 80 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2026-04-21
Completion Date
2028-12-21
Last Updated
2026-03-27
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Low Frequency EA
Electroacupuncture will be applied to the suprahyoid muscles. The stimulation frequency will be set at 2 Hz (Low Frequency). The intensity should be adjusted to the patient's tolerance, utilizing a discontinuous waveform. Treatment is administered once daily for 30 minutes, with a course cosisting of 7 sessions. A rest day is observed between courses, and the treatment is continued for a total of 6 courses.
Medium Frequency EA
Electroacupuncture will be applied to the suprahyoid muscles. The stimulation frequency will be set at 50 Hz (Medium Frequency). The intensity should be adjusted to the patient's tolerance, utilizing a discontinuous waveform. Treatment is administered once daily for 30 minutes, with a course cosisting of 7 sessions. A rest day is observed between courses, and the treatment is continued for a total of 6 courses.
High Frequency EA
Electroacupuncture will be applied to the suprahyoid muscles. The stimulation frequency will be set at 100 Hz (High Frequency).The intensity should be adjusted to the patient's tolerance, utilizing a discontinuous waveform. Treatment is administered once daily for 30 minutes, with a course cosisting of 7 sessions. A rest day is observed between courses, and the treatment is continued for a total of 6 courses.
Locations (1)
the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University
Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China