Effects of Tongue Strength Combined with 1 Hz rTMS on Swallowing Muscle Activity and Vallecula Residue Evaluated Using VFSS with Dysphagia after Stroke

This study aimed to compare the effects of tongue strengthening (TS) combined with 1 Hz low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) on swallowing muscle activity and vallecula residue in post-stroke dysphagia (PSD). The study included 10 PSD patients, divided into an experimental group (EG, n=5) and a control group (CG, n=5). The EG received 1 Hz LF-rTMS targeting the primary motor cortex on the non-affected side, along with TS. CG received sham-rTMS combined with TS. Swallowing muscle activity was assessed via electromyography of the suprahyoid muscle, and vallecular residue post-swallow was evaluated using a video fluoroscopic swallowing study. Results indicated that EG showed significant improvements in suprahyoid muscle activity and a reduction in vallecular residue compared to CG (p<0.05). These findings suggest that 1 Hz LF-rTMS enhances swallowing function, likely through increased interhemispheric inhibition.