Paediatric oral sensorimotor interventions for chewing dysfunction: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Chewing dysfunction can have adverse effects on growth, development and quality of life. There is a lack of evidence-based consensus guidelines for sensorimotor intervention. To address this, we need to understand the current state of the science in clinical sensorimotor interventions for paediatric chewing dysfunction and systematically plan a research agenda and priorities for the field. Aims: The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the extent, range and nature of evidence for oral sensorimotor interventions for paediatric chewing dysfunction. Methods & Procedures: This scoping review entailed five phases that included: identification of the research question; identification of relevant studies; study selection; data charting; and collation, summarization and report of the results.Treatment studies that were peer-reviewed and written in English were included. All studies involved a paediatric population and included an oral sensorimotor and/or chewing intervention. Information regarding study design, population, intervention, comparator, outcome measures and findings were extracted. Main Contribution: Of the 21 studies included in this scoping review, 53% were specific to children with cerebral palsy. All interventions were multi-component in nature and the treatment studies included a range of study designs, but few were controlled trials with comparators. A wide variety of outcomes measures were used within and across studies to determine treatment effectiveness. Conclusions & Implications:The findings suggest that in a small number of studies, sensorimotor interventions provide preliminary evidence for effectiveness in specific populations. These and other treatment protocols must be trialled in additional clinical populations and settings to improve the evidence base for sensorimotor treatment of paediatric chewing dysfunction. This review also serves to help prioritize research agendas and further motivates the need for consensus-based clinical guidelines for paediatric chewing treatment.

Screening of Swallowing and Feeding-Related Problems in Typically Developing Children

“…24,25,28 However, it could be easily solved with appropriate approaches. [29][30][31] Therefore, chewing dysfunction in typically developing children should not be underestimated and should be solved in early period.…”