Efektivitas Terapi Akupoin terhadap Kemampuan Menelan pada Pasien Disfagia Pascastroke

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

Abstract

Background: Post-stroke dysphagia increases the risks of aspiration, malnutrition, and prolonged rehabilitation. Acupoint therapy may complement conventional rehabilitation, but clinical evidence in Indonesian nursing settings remains limited. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of acupoint therapy in improving swallowing ability among patients with post-stroke dysphagia. Methods: A one-group quasi-experimental study included 30 patients recruited through purposive sampling at an acupoint therapy clinic in Jakarta. Participants received eight treatment sessions, twice weekly. Swallowing ability was assessed using the Gugging Swallowing Screen. Paired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA were used. Results: The mean swallowing score increased from 4.20 before treatment to 19.07 after the eighth session. The paired comparison was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Scores increased consistently across sessions, with the smallest rise occurring between sessions four and five. Conclusion: Acupoint therapy was associated with a marked improvement in swallowing ability. It may be considered as an adjunct to conventional post-stroke dysphagia rehabilitation, while controlled studies are still required.