Baby Intensive Early Active Treatment (babiEAT): A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial of Feeding Therapy for Infants with Cerebral Palsy and Oropharyngeal Dysphagia

Cerebral palsy (CP), results in impairment of muscle function including the face, mouth, and throat, leading to oropharyngeal dysphagia (OPD), which affects 85% of children with CP. OPD increases risk of deficiencies in growth, neurological development, and aspiration pneumonia, a leading cause of death in CP. This pilot randomised controlled trial aimed to (i) assess feasibility and acceptability of a novel neuroplasticity and motor-learning feeding intervention program, Baby Intensive Early Active Treatment (babiEAT), and standard care, and (ii) explore preliminary efficacy of babiEAT on health and caregiver feeding-related quality of life (QoL). A total of 14 infants with both CP and OPD were randomly allocated to 12 weeks of babiEAT or standard care. Results indicate that babiEAT and standard care are equally feasible, and acceptable. Parents in the babiEAT group thought recommendations were significantly more effective than standard care parents, were more likely to recommend the program to a friend and reported higher QoL. babiEAT infants showed significantly greater efficiency in fluid intake, fewer compensatory strategies with cup drinking, consumption of more advanced food textures, and shorter mealtimes without impacting intake, aspiration risk, or weight. This small pilot study shows promise for babiEAT in infants with CP and OPD. Further research is needed to determine strength of its effects.