Kinesio Taping Versus Electrical Stimulation on Dysphagia in Bilateral Cerebral Palsy

Kinesio Taping Versus Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Dysphagia in Children With Bilateral Spastic Cerebral Palsy. A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study will be to compare the effect between kinesiotaping and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on dysphagia in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Dysphagia is one of the most common feeding and swallowing problems associated with cerebral palsied children due to impaired neuromuscular control of the oral, pharyngeal, and respiratory muscles involved in swallowing. It can result in serious complications such as aspiration, malnutrition, dehydration, prolonged feeding time, and recurrent respiratory infections, which in turn may negatively influence the child's nutritional status, growth, and overall quality of life. Several rehabilitation approaches have been developed to improve swallowing function and feeding performance in cerebral palsied children. However, there is little evidence directed toward which intervention procedure is more effective on dysphagia therefore, there is need to compare between the therapeutic effect of kinesiotaping versus neuromuscular electrical stimulation on dysphagia in children with bilateral spastic cerebral palsy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children ages will be ranged from 3 to 7 years old.
• They scored ≤10 on an initial evaluation of Oral Motor Assessment scale.
• They scored from 5 to 7 in accordance to dysphagia severity scale.
• Sufficient cognition to follow simple verbal instructions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital problems of mouth and soft plate (e.g: cleft lip and plate).
• Jaw anomalies.
• Gum and/or dental problems.
• Chest infection or unstable cardiopulmonary conditions.
• Uncontrolled seizures.
• History of recent surgery or trauma affecting the head, neck, or oral region.
• Skin allergies that prevent the application of kinesio-tape or electrical stimulation electrodes.