Effect of cross electro-nape-acupuncture on cough reflex remodeling in patients with cerebral infarction through tracheostomy tubes— Preliminary data from a single-blinded, randomized controlled study

Objective: The self-made novel therapy “cross electro-nape-acupuncture” (crisscross electroacupuncture in the nape points) was employed to promote the remodeling of cough reflex as a protective reflex in order to prevent and control respiratory tract infection. Methods: A random number table was used according to the order of visits. Single-blinded evaluation was conducted. Forty-five cases of stroke with impaired cough reflex through a tracheotomy tube were randomly divided into three groups. Group I received cross electro-nape-acupuncture combined with basic Western-medicine treatment, Group II received acupuncture(without electricity) combined with basic Western-medicine treatment, and control group received basic western medicine alone. Statistical analysis showed no statistical difference in age, gender and disease duration between the three groups. Self-made Guofeng Cai tracheotomy tube cough reflex grading scale, Kubota's water swallow test, evaluation of swallowing function, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) were recorded and compared before and after treatment. Results: There were statistical differences in Guofeng Cai tracheotomy cough reflex grading scale, Kubota's water swallow test, evaluation of swallowing function and CPIS (all Ps <; 0.05). Conclusions: 1) Cross electro-nape-acupuncture can promote the remodeling of cough reflex as a protective reflex; 2) Cross electro-nape-acupuncture can improve swallowing function in patients with cerebral infarction; 3) Cross electro-nape-acupuncture can assist in treating the lung infection among patients with impaired cough reflex. 4) The action of cross electro-nape-acupuncture in promoting cough reflex may be associated with the effect of electric field on the medullary respiratory center.