Effectiveness of NMES in Swallowing Rehabilitation in Children With CP

Electrophysiological Investigation of the Effectiveness of NMES Swallowing Difficulty Rehabilitation in Children With Cerebral Palsy

Purpose: The aim is to investigate the effectiveness of NMES in the functional and electrophysiological rehabilitation of swallowing difficulties in dysphagic children with cerebral palsy.

Methods: Twenty-six children diagnosed with dysphagia, with a mean age of 7.02±2.40 years, were included in the study and randomly allocated into two groups (NMES,n=16;Sham NMES,n=10). In addition to swallowing rehabilitation, stimulation was applied to the groups. Participants were assessed using the Pediatric Eating Assessment Tool, Penetration-Aspiration Scale, Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale, Swallowing Ability and Function Evaluation and Electrophysiological Evaluation of the Suprahyoid Muscle in four consistencies.

This study has already been completed; however, at the time of the study, registration in the public trial database had not been performed. Since the journal requires a registration number upon submission, we have completed a retrospective registration to fulfill this requirement. The registration reflects the actual study dates and ensures transparency and compliance with publication standard

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients whose relatives provided written informed consent
• Patients suitable for the planned intervention (assumed from context)

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of maxillary, head or neck surgery
• History of botulinum toxin treatment
• Structural oropharyngeal abnormality
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Receiving medical and/or physical therapy for dysphagia
• Severe cognitive, visual, auditory, or sensory impairments
• Drug use due to seizure or spasticity
• Serious pulmonary or cardiac disease
• Increased bleeding risk