This study aims to evaluate whether combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with oral care can improve swallowing function in patients who have experienced an acute stroke and are dealing with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). The researchers are exploring two main questions: Is this combined approach practical and manageable for patients and caregivers to use during the early stages of stroke recovery? And does this combination lead to better swallowing function and fewer stroke-related complications compared to using only oral care or traditional routine care? The goal is to identify effective strategies to support safer and faster recovery in stroke patients with swallowing difficulties.
This randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigates the potential benefits of combining neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with standard oral care to improve swallowing function and reduce the incidence of stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Our study uses a rigorous, evidence-based approach to determine the clinical efficacy and feasibility of this therapeutic regimen during the critical early phase following a stroke. Study Design Conducted at a medical center from November 2021 to May 2023, this study enrolled AIS patients meeting specific criteria, such as being 20 years or older, diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke within 48 hours, and presenting with difficulty swallowing. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Group A (Oral Care Group): Received comprehensive oral care twice daily for at least five days. Group B (O-NMES Group): Received oral care paired with NMES therapy administered after each session. Group C (Control Group): Received standard care, including routine oral hygiene practices. Participant Screening and Baseline Assessment Upon admission, all participants underwent brain imaging (CT or MRI) to confirm stroke and exclude other conditions. Demographic data (age, gender, and cerebrovascular risk factors) and baseline assessments, such as the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) for stroke severity, were collected. Laboratory tests were performed to evaluate blood cell counts, creatinine, albumin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Participants' swallowing function and the need for nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion were also recorded. Intervention Protocols Oral Care Procedures (Group A \& B): Included the use of a toothbrush, dental floss, and fluoridated toothpaste, with the Bass method for brushing. Tongue cleaning and saliva aspiration were also performed to maintain oral hygiene. NMES Therapy (Group B Only): NMES was delivered using the VitalStim® system. Four electrode pads were placed on the neck, and stimulation parameters were adjusted based on patient tolerance. Each NMES session lasted 30 minutes, following strict preparation and placement protocols. Data Collection and Outcome Measures Data were collected at baseline, on day 4 (T1), and on day 8 (T2) post-stroke. Key outcomes included changes in swallowing function, assessed using tools like the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) and the incidence of SAP. The study's primary hypothesis is that combining NMES with oral care will yield better outcomes in swallowing function and reduce pneumonia risk compared to oral care alone or standard care. Assessment Tools NIHSS: Used to evaluate stroke severity, focusing on items like facial palsy, language, and speech that may influence oral and swallowing control. ROAG: Assesses oral health status across multiple categories, with higher scores indicating more severe oral health issues. GUSS: A comprehensive tool to screen and monitor swallowing function, facilitating the identification of impairments and personalized care. Study Implications This research is designed to contribute valuable insights into stroke rehabilitation and offer evidence-based guidelines for enhancing clinical care. By exploring different treatment strategies, we aim to inform future practices in managing dysphagia and preventing SAP in stroke patients, ultimately improving recovery outcomes and quality of life.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
35
We prepared the necessary tools and suction devices, then helped patients sit upright before starting oral care. Using a flashlight and toothbrush, we assessed the mouth and removed any food debris, aspirating saliva if needed. We cleaned the teeth using a toothbrush, dental floss, and an interdental brush with a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste. The Bass method was used for brushing. Finally, we cleaned the front two-thirds of the tongue with a damp toothbrush.
We used the VitalStim® device to deliver neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES). Before placing the electrodes, participants were asked to shave any facial hair and clean their neck skin with alcohol wipes. We positioned four electrode pads horizontally, above and below the hyoid bone. The device provided stimulation at a pulse rate of 80 Hz with a biphasic pulse duration of 300 microseconds. Each session lasted 30 minutes, with the intensity gradually increased in 0.5 mA intervals, based on the patient's comfort level, and adjusted to their maximum tolerance.
Department of Neurology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University
New Taipei City, Taiwan
Changes in stroke severity and swallowing function (GUSS) at three-time points-baseline (T0), the fourth-day post-stroke (T1), and the eighth-day post-stroke (T2)
The Revised Oral Assessment Guide (ROAG) is a standardized tool for comprehensive oral health status and function assessment. It comprises eight categories: voice, lips, mucous membranes, tongue, gums, teeth or dentures, saliva production, and swallowing function. Assessors describe each category and rate them on a scoring scale, where one indicates healthy, 2 indicates minor problems, and 3 indicates severe problems. The ROAG total score ranges from 3 to 24 points, with higher scores suggesting the need for more care and attention to the participant's oral health.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at day 8 post-stroke. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (day 0), day 4, and day 8 post-stroke.
Changes in stroke severity and swallowing function (ROAG) at three-time points-baseline (T0), the fourth-day post-stroke (T1), and the eighth-day post-stroke (T2)
The Bedside Gugging Swallow Screen (GUSS) is a screening tool used to assess swallowing function, aiming to comprehensively evaluate a patient's ability to swallow at different viscosities. It utilizes a scoring system ranging from 0-20 points, with higher scores indicating better swallowing function. GUSS consists of a preliminary assessment, the Indirect Swallow Test (5 points), and the Direct Swallow Test (15 points). The first part includes a simple saliva swallow test, observing the patient's alertness, voluntary cough, throat clearing, and saliva swallowing. The second part comprises three subtests challenging the patient's ability to swallow semi-solids, liquids, and solids. This graded assessment design allows for a detailed evaluation of different viscosities, aiding in the timely detection of swallowing impairments and facilitating personalized dietary recommendations.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at day 8 post-stroke. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (day 0), day 4, and day 8 post-stroke.
Changes in stroke severity and swallowing function (NIHSS) at three-time points-baseline (T0), the fourth-day post-stroke (T1), and the eighth-day post-stroke (T2)
The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) comprises 15 neurological examination items and is commonly used to assess stroke severity. Due to its simplicity, repeatability, reliability, and validity, NIHSS scores have become a widely utilized indicator in stroke models for evaluating Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) outcomes. Although the NIHSS scale does not directly assess swallowing function, language impairments or speech difficulties may affect oral control in patients, potentially correlating with swallowing function to some extent. Similarly, facial palsy is associated with control of facial and oral muscles, thereby impacting swallowing function. In this study, we included patients with at least one of the NIHSS subitems involving facial palsy, language impairment, or speech difficulty to thoroughly evaluate the treatment effects and the risk of post-stroke pneumonia in AIS patients exhibiting these symptoms.
Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at day 8 post-stroke. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline (day 0), day 4, and day 8 post-stroke.
Reducing stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) incidence in acute stroke patients
In 2014, a consensus meeting was held in Manchester, UK, and after literature search, evidence review and consensus negotiation, SAP was defined as respiratory infection within seven days after stroke. SAP diagnosis is mainly based on the diagnostic criteria for pneumonia proposed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): typical pulmonary symptoms (tachypnea, inspiratory crackles, bronchial breathing) or chest X-ray Abnormalities (infiltrates, parenchymal lesions) and other evidence such as fever (temperature \>38°C), cough with purulent sputum, or isolation of pathogens by blood/sputum culture (Garner et al., 1988).
Time frame: Comparison of SAP occurrence within seven days after stroke.
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