Abstract Number: Esoc2026lb39 Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Combined With Respiratory Muscle Training on Dysphagia Rehabilitation in Patients With Acute Cerebral Infarction: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and aims To investigate the efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with respiratory muscle training (RMT) on swallowing function recovery in patients with post-stroke dysphagia following acute cerebral infarction. Methods This single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 120 patients with acute cerebral infarction complicated by dysphagia. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: combined intervention group (tDCS+RMT, n=40), tDCS group (n=40), and conventional therapy group (n=40). All groups received standard swallowing rehabilitation for 4 weeks. The combined group additionally received anodal tDCS (2mA, 20min/session) over the pharyngeal motor cortex and RMT using threshold inspiratory-expiratory devices. Outcomes were assessed using the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS), Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and maximum inspiratory/expiratory pressures (MIP/MEP) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks post-intervention. Results The combined intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in VDS scores (p<0.001), PAS scores (p=0.003), and FOIS levels (p<0.001) compared to both control groups. MIP and MEP increased significantly in the combined group (p<0.001). The incidence of aspiration pneumonia was lowest in the combined group (5.0% vs. 17.5% vs. 22.5%, p=0.042). Conclusions tDCS combined with RMT significantly enhances swallowing function recovery and reduces aspiration risk in patients with post-stroke dysphagia, representing a promising multimodal rehabilitation approach. Conflict of interest