The Masticatory Structure and Function in Children with Cerebral Palsy—A Pilot Study

Abstract

(1) Background: Muscle tension around the head and neck influences orofacial functions. The data exist concerning head posture during increased salivation; however, little is known about muscle tightness during this process. This study aims to investigate whether or not any muscles are related to problems with eating, such as drooling in individuals with cerebral palsy; (2) Methods: Nineteen patients between the ages of 1 and 14 were examined prior to the physiotherapy intervention. This intervention lasted three months and consisted of: relaxing muscles via the strain-counterstrain technique, functional exercises based on the NeuroDevelopmental Treatment-Bobath method, and functional exercises for eating; (3) Results: the tone of rectus capitis posterior minor muscle on the left side (p = 0.027) and temporalis muscle on the right side (p = 0.048) before the therapy, and scalene muscle on the right side after the therapy (p = 0.024) were correlated with drooling behavior and were considered statistically significant. Gross motor function was not considered statistically significant with the occurrence of drooling behavior (p ≤ 0.05). Following the therapeutic intervention, the frequency of drooling during feeding decreased from 63.16% to 38.89% of the total sample of examined patients; (4) Conclusions: The tightness of the muscles in the head area can cause drooling during feeding.

Physiotherapy Intervention on Premature Infants—A Pilot Study

“…Studies have shown that therapy based on the Bobath concept improves gross motor function [ 16 ], postural balance [ 36 , 37 , 38 ], and coordination, in terms of feeding and swallowing activity [ 39 , 40 ].…”

Relationship between Sensory Processing Skills and Feeding Behaviors in Children Aged 3–6 Years with Cerebral Palsy with Cerebral Visual Impairment

“…Kangalgil, on the other hand, stated that behaviors such as keeping food in the mouth, choking while feeding, and food refusal are factors that cause feeding problems in children with CP aged 7-17 [12]. Although studies have shown that motor, swallowing, and chewing issues are the most common causes of feeding problems [4,13,14], research has also shown that sensory processing impairments can induce feeding problems related to the manipulation of solid foods in the mouth [15]. It has been reported that eating problems due to sensory reasons may result in oral intolerance, primarily due to the flavor, texture, and hardness of the meal, and that this circumstance also prolongs feeding times [16].…”