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.
<div>This systematic review investigates the effect of impairment-based feeding interventions or adaptive feeding interventions (e.g., sensorimotor, positioning, consistency of textures, feeding device) on feeding efficiency and safety in children, 18 years or younger, with cerebral palsy (CP). </div>
Not stated
From 1950 to July 2009
<div>Any study design</div>
21
<div>There is limited evidence "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>
