Key result
Acupuncture and behavioral therapies may reduce post-stroke swallowing impairment, based on low-certainty evidence.
Why the study?
Do swallowing therapies improve swallowing impairment in stroke survivors with dysphagia within six months of stroke onset?
Systematic Review (n=11,500)
Do swallowing therapies improve swallowing impairment in stroke survivors with dysphagia within six months of stroke onset?
Standardized Mean Difference: -1.2 (95% CI -1.5–-0.9)
Various swallowing therapies may reduce swallowing impairment in post-stroke dysphagia, but the certainty of evidence is generally low to moderate due to methodological limitations.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Wilkinson et al. (2026) conducted a systematic review in Post-stroke dysphagia (n=11,500). Swallowing therapies (e.g., acupuncture, behavioural interventions, electrical stimulation) vs. Usual care was evaluated on Swallowing impairment (SI) (SMD -1.20, 95% CI -1.50 to -0.90). Swallowing therapies like acupuncture (SMD -1.20; 95% CI -1.50 to -0.90) and behavioural interventions (SMD -1.17) may reduce post-stroke swallowing impairment, though evidence certainty is low.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: