PURPOSE: To evaluate the synergistic mechanisms and clinical efficacy of integrating acupuncture with modern rehabilitation (including functional swallowing training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation) for post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a narrative review with a systematic literature approach.This review synthesizes evidence from recent randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and mechanistic studies on combined acupuncture and rehabilitation interventions for PSD. Key outcomes assessed include swallowing function (VFSS, FOIS), aspiration pneumonia rates, and quality-of-life measures. RESULTS: Current evidence demonstrates that combining acupuncture with conventional rehabilitation yields superior improvements in swallowing function, oral intake, and aspiration reduction compared to rehabilitation alone. Acupuncture enhances neuroplasticity, modulates central and peripheral swallowing circuits, and reduces inflammation, while rehabilitation strengthens neuromuscular coordination. Synergistic effects arise as acupuncture primes neural substrates, facilitating more efficient gains from rehabilitative exercises. However, challenges include heterogeneity in acupuncture protocols, limited mechanistic clarity, and practitioner variability. CONCLUSIONS: Integrative therapy combining acupuncture and modern rehabilitation represents a potentially promising strategy that requires further validation through ri-gorously designed studies for managing PSD. With further standardization, mechanistic research, and international collaboration, this approach could become a widely accepted, effective treatment to improve swallowing recovery and quality of life among stroke survivors.
Liu et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: