The primary outcomes will help determine whether aspiration pneumonia is prevented and if press needle stimulation is effective. The primary outcome is the number of cases of aspiration pneumonia during the study period. Diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia will be made by the attending physician based on the Japanese Respiratory Society Guidelines for the management of hospital-acquired pneumonia in adults. The total number of diagnoses of aspiration pneumonia at the end of the study will be calculated.
Secondary outcomes will help determine whether seal acupuncture improves swallowing function and general conditions. The secondary outcomes are LTSR, fever frequency, Barthel index (BI), body mass index, general blood test results, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) results. LTSR measures the time between the insertion of an 8 Fr tube through the nasal cavity to the uvula of the palate and the initiation of swallowing after the injection of 1 mL of distilled water. Three measurements are taken and the mean value is calculated. Fever is defined as a body temperature of 37.5°C or more. The number of days with fever during the study period will be determined.
Secondary outcomes will help determine whether seal acupuncture improves swallowing function and general conditions. The secondary outcomes are LTSR, fever frequency, Barthel index (BI), body mass index, general blood test results, and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) results. LTSR measures the time between the insertion of an 8 Fr tube through the nasal cavity to the uvula of the palate and the initiation of swallowing after the injection of 1 mL of distilled water. Three measurements are taken and the mean value is calculated. Fever is defined as a body temperature of 37.5°C or more. The number of days with fever during the study period will be determined.
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