SynthesisFrontiers in neurology2025
Surface electromyographic biofeedback versus neuromuscular electrical stimulation for post-stroke dysphagia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Frontiers in neurology, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
- Post-stroke dysphagia across the care continuum: a full-cycle framework for rehabilitation, supportive care, and community follow-up.Frontiers in neurology · 2026Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a common complication with a high incidence rate, significantly impairing patients' quality of life and health. Although conventional swallowing training is widely used, its efficacy depends on interindividual heterogeneity. Surface electromyographic biofeedback (sEMG-BF) is an emerging rehabilitation technology that shows promising potential in improving swallowing function. However, there is a lack of systematic and comprehensive evaluation and high-quality evidence to support its clinical application. Objective: This study aims to systematically evaluate and conduct a network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of sEMG-BF, NMES, and conventional therapy in improving electrophysiological outcomes, swallowing function, and quality of life for patients with PSD. Methods: A systematic review and network meta-analysis were conducted by searching databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Scopus for prospective randomized controlled trials on the application of sEMG-BF in patients with PSD. We included randomized controlled trials that compared sEMG-BF, NMES, or conventional therapy in patients with PSD. The study focused on the effects of sEMG-BF on electrophysiological outcomes in these patients. Results: Six studies were included in the analysis. sEMG-BF was found to significantly increase mean amplitude (MD = 6.45, 95% CI: 3.53, 9.38) and reduce swallowing duration (MD = -0.22, 95% CI: -0.26, -0.18). The network meta-analysis revealed the following SUCRA ranking: sEMG-BF, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and conventional therapy. sEMG-BF significantly improved the Standardized Swallowing Assessment (SSA) score (MD = -6.43, 95% CI: -9.74, -3.11). For Swallowing Quality of Life (SWAL-QOL), the pooled estimate was MD = 29.36 (95% CI: -14.96, 73.69), which did not reach statistical significance. The network meta-analysis demonstrated that sEMG-BF outperformed NMES and conventional therapy in improving swallowing function, consistent with direct comparison results. Conclusion: This study suggests that both sEMG-BF and NMES may provide benefits for PSD. Although sEMG-BF demonstrated superior effects in the majority of outcomes, the evidence is limited by small sample sizes and heterogeneity. Further high-quality trials are needed to confirm its efficacy. By enhancing the amplitude of electromyographic signals in swallowing-related muscles and improving muscle contraction capacity, sEMG-BF improves swallowing function; however, the pooled SWAL-QOL estimate was not statistically significant.
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