An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Dysphagia Post-acute Stroke: a protocol

Introduction The results of previous systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses on acupuncture for post-acute stroke dysphagia have provided conflicting evidence. This systematic review of overviews will aim to summarize and evaluate the quality of the existing SRs and meta-analyses with the aim of identifying whether acupuncture could provide a therapeutic option to treat patients with dysphagia post-acute stroke. Methods A systematic search of seven electronic databases (Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, CNKI, Wanfang, SinoMed and VIP) will be performed according to a predefined search strategy for SRs and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs on acupuncture for dysphagia post-acute stroke. Two authors will independently select SRs and meta-analyses and collect appropriate data. The reporting quality of included SRs and meta-analyses will be assessed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR 2) will be used to assess the quality of the SRs and meta-analyses. If necessary, GRADE will be used to rate the quality of evidence. Results This overview will identify current SRs and meta-analyses of RCTs or quasi-RCTs of acupuncture treatment for dysphagia post-acute stroke. Discussion The current evidence will be evaluated to help answer the question - is acupuncture a potentially effective treatment for dysphagia after stroke?