Use of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in the Treatment of Dysphagia in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

doi:10.1177/000348940911800401

Paper

Use of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in the Treatment of Dysphagia in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Published Apr 1, 2009 · H. Bogaardt, D. van Dam, Nienke M. Wever

Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology

Q2 SJR score

56

Citations

2

Influential Citations

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Abstract

Objectives: We explored the possible effects of neuromuscular electrostimulation on the swallowing function of patients with multiple sclerosis and swallowing problems. Methods: Twenty-five patients (average age, 53.1 years; SD, 9.8 years) with multiple sclerosis and swallowing problems were treated for 3 weeks with 2 sessions per week of neuromuscular electrostimulation. The average time since the onset of multiple sclerosis was 16.5 years (SD, 10.2 years). Seventeen patients were examined with transnasal flexible endoscopy 1 week before treatment and 1 week after treatment. Results: After treatment, a significant decrease in pooling of saliva in the pyriform sinuses was seen in 6 patients (p = 0.03), and significantly less aspiration during swallowing of thin liquids (p < 0.01) was seen in 9 patients. Overall, the 25 patients reported that their swallowing had improved (p < 0.01), and in 20% of the patients, it had become less strenuous. No adverse effects of the treatment were reported. Conclusions: Our study showed that the treatment of swallowing problems with neuromuscular electrostimulation in patients with multiple sclerosis in this sample was successful in the reduction of pooling of saliva and in the reduction of aspiration.

Non-RCT

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayNeuromuscular electrostimulation effectively reduces saliva pooling and aspiration in patients with multiple sclerosis, improving swallowing function and reducing strenuousness.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

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Use of Neuromuscular Electrostimulation in the Treatment of Dysphagia in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

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References

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Citations

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction with Conventional Swallowing Therapy in the Treatment of Dysphagia Caused by Multiple Sclerosis: A Single-Case Experimental Design

NMES combined with conventional swallowing therapy can improve swallowing function and decrease the disabling effects of dysphagia in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

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Non-pharmacologic and non-invasive methods, such as oral motor exercises, swallowing maneuvers, and dietary modifications, significantly improve dysphagia and swallowing-related quality of life in MS patients.

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Lower frequencies of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) produce greater muscle activation within minutes of application, improving voice quality and function in hypofunctional voice disorders.

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Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Electromyographic Biofeedback as Adjunctive Modalities in the Treatment of Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Stroke

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and electromyographic biofeedback (EMG) can improve swallowing strength and coordination in stroke patients.