Effectiveness of Acupoint Therapy on Swallowing Ability among Patients with Post-Stroke Dysphagia

Abstract

Stroke is the disease that causes the greatest death and disability every year, and the sequelae of stroke often include swallowing disorders or dysphagia. Conventional interventions remaintheprimarychoiceintherehabilitationprocessforpost-strokepatients.However, incorporating acupoint therapy interventions as an alternative within the nursing context is anticipated to maximize the recovery process of dysphagia patients. Purpose:The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of acupoint therapy and modality therapy on the restoration of swallowing ability in post-stroke dysphagia patients. Methods:The research design in this study was to use a quasy experiment. Patients were given intervention for two months or eight treatment sessions to measure swallowing ability using the GUSS (Gugging Swallowing Screen). The criteria for respondents in this study are patients with strokes experiencing swallowing disorders. Results: After eight sessions of treatment, respondents showed a very significant increase in swallowing ability; the average value before treatment was 4.2 and after treatment in session 8 was 19.07. The results of the influence test give a p-value of <0.001. Acupoint therapy interventions are effective in improving the swallowing ability of post-stroke dysphagia patients. Conclusion: The application of Acupoint Therapy interventions in post-stroke dysphagia patients has significantly improved swallowing ability; we recommend that this intervention be a supporting option in addition to conventional interventions obtained by post-stroke dysphagia patients.