Feeding Interventions for Children With Cerebral Palsy: A Review of the Evidence
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics
Snider, L., Majnemer, A., et al. (2011).
Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics, 31(1), 58-77.
This systematic review investigates the effect of impairment-based feeding interventions or adaptive feeding interventions (e.g., sensorimotor, positioning, consistency of textures, oral appliance, feeding device) on feeding efficiency and safety in children, 18 years or younger, with cerebral palsy (CP).
Not stated
From 1950 to July 2009
Any study design
21
<div>There is limited evidence "indicating that feeding devices may not be useful in enhancing feeding efficiency. However, the same level of evidence indicates that adapted equipment may serve to enhance certain oral-motor behaviors and increase independence" (Level 2b Evidence; p. 73).</div>
<div>There is conflicting evidence "that sensorimotor facilitation techniques are more effective than alternative treatment or absence thereof in enhancing feeding safety and efficiency. However, the [randomized controlled trials] RCTs may have been underpowered (small sample sizes), and the less rigorously designed studies indicated positive results" (Level 4 Evidence; p. 71).</div>
<div>There is limited evidence "demonstrating that providing children with CP with softer food consistencies enhance feeding safety and efficiency. Higher-quality studies (such as [randomized controlled trials] RCTs) investigating this question are currently lacking" (Level 2b Evidence; p. 72).</div>
<div>There is limited evidence that "positioning has a positive effect on feeding safety and efficiency by decreasing the risk of aspiration and diminishing mealtime. There were no [randomized controlled trials] RCTs found on the effects of positioning on feeding safety and efficiency, and thus, higher levels of evidence are lacking" (Level 2b Evidence; p. 71).</div>
