The efficacy of Vitalstim electrical stimulation on dysphagia in the stroke patients

Objective To observe the effects of Vitalstim electrical stimulation with comprehensive deglutitory training on dysphagia in the stroke patients. Methods Eighty-two stroke patients with dysphagia were divided into two groups. The therapeutic group (n=41) accepted Vitalstim electrical stimulation and comprehensive deglutitory training, the control group (n=41) accepted comprehensive deglutitory training only. The deglutition function (water-drinking test) was measured before and after therapy. Results The grade (1-5) of dysphagia in the therapeutic group was 0, 0, 29.3%, 36.6%, 34.1% before the treatment, and it was 34.1%,34.1%,17.1%,9.8%,4.9% after the treatment; The grade (1-5) of dysphagia in the control group was 0, 0, 31.7%, 34.1%, 34.1%, and it was 17.1%,22.0%,26.8%,19.5%,14.6% after the treatment. After the treatment,the deglutition function was improved in both groups (P<0.05), and there was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Vitalstim electrical stimulation with comprehensive deglutitory training improves the deglutition function of the stroke patients.