NCT07496762

Effects of Different-Frequency Electroacupuncture on Suprahyoid Muscles in Post-Stroke Dysphagia: Efficacy and Neural Networks

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Kaili Chen · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This randomized controlled study in patients with post-stroke dysphagia aims to determine the optimal stimulation frequency of electroacupuncture of the suprahyoid muscles and to elucidate the underlying neural mechanisms. Participants will be assigned to low-frequency (2 Hz), medium-frequency (50 Hz), or high-frequency (100 Hz) electroacupuncture groups. Therapeutic efficacy will be assessed using the Kubota water-drinking test, videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), and ultrasonography to identify the optimal frequency. In parallel, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) will be used to evaluate changes in fiber connectivity between swallowing-related cortical regions (bilateral precentral gyrus, insula, supramarginal gyrus, and frontal lobe) and the medullary nucleus tractus solitarius, thereby exploring neural network remodeling and providing mechanistic evidence to inform clinical practice.

Conditions

• Stroke Sequelae
• Deglutition Disorders
• Acupuncture Therapy
• Electroacupuncture

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Low Frequency EA	Electroacupuncture will be applied to the suprahyoid muscles. The stimulation frequency will be set at 2 Hz (Low Frequency). The intensity should be adjusted to the patient's tolerance, utilizing a discontinuous waveform. Treatment is administered once daily for 30 minutes, with a course cosisting of 7 sessions. A rest day is observed between courses, and the treatment is continued for a total of 6 courses.
DEVICE	Medium Frequency EA	Electroacupuncture will be applied to the suprahyoid muscles. The stimulation frequency will be set at 50 Hz (Medium Frequency). The intensity should be adjusted to the patient's tolerance, utilizing a discontinuous waveform. Treatment is administered once daily for 30 minutes, with a course cosisting of 7 sessions. A rest day is observed between courses, and the treatment is continued for a total of 6 courses.
DEVICE	High Frequency EA	Electroacupuncture will be applied to the suprahyoid muscles. The stimulation frequency will be set at 100 Hz (High Frequency).The intensity should be adjusted to the patient's tolerance, utilizing a discontinuous waveform. Treatment is administered once daily for 30 minutes, with a course cosisting of 7 sessions. A rest day is observed between courses, and the treatment is continued for a total of 6 courses.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-21
• Primary completion: 2028-12-21
• Completion: 2028-12-21
• First posted: 2026-03-27
• Last updated: 2026-03-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: China