Effect of electrical stimulation on aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia

[Purpose] This study aims to investigate the effect of electrical stimulation on aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia. [Participants and Methods] Five children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia were recruited. Electrical stimulation was applied to the submental region targeting submental muscles. All participants received electrical stimulation 30 min/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. Evaluation was performed using the penetration-aspiration scale (PAS), based on a videofluoroscopic swallowing study. [Results] PAS scores showed a statistically significant decrease from 3.8 ± 1.5 to 2.1 ± 1.2 and from 6.4 ± 2.1 to 4.3 ± 2.5 for semisolids type and liquids respectively. [Conclusion] The use of electrical stimulation is effective in reducing aspiration in children with cerebral palsy and dysphagia.