State of the Evidence Traffic Lights 2019: Systematic Review of Interventions for Preventing and Treating Children with Cerebral Palsy
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
Novak, I., Morgan, C., et al. (2020).
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 20(2), 3.
This systematic review investigates the effects of intervention on outcomes for children with cerebral palsy.
Not stated
2012-2019
Systematic reviews and randomized-controlled trials were preferentially sought but lower levels of evidence were accepted for interventions where there were no systematic reviews or randomized-controlled trials.
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<div>The following findings were reported for dysphagia management approaches in children with cerebral palsy:</div>
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<li>Electrical stimulation in combination with oral sensorimotor therapy improved lip closure during the swallow, reduced excess food/liquid loss, improved sipping ability, and improved swallowing without cough as compared to sham electrical stimulation plus oral sensorimotor therapy.</li>
<li>Functional chewing training (FuCT) improved chewing and reduced drooling and tongue thrust when compared to traditional oral sensorimotor treatment.</li>
<li>Parent education improved feeding stress. </li>
<li>Interventions with weak positive evidence to improve safe swallows included compensatory strategies and oral sensorimotor therapy.</li>
<li>Interventions with weak positive evidence to improve drooling included behavioral and oral sensorimotor interventions.</li>
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<div>Literacy interventions designed for children with cerebral palsy who use communication devices were found to be effective to improve cognitive-communication abilities.</div>
<div>Interventions with weak positive evidence to improve communication outcomes included alternative and augmentative communication, language therapy, and social stories.</div>
<div>Treatments with weak positive evidence to improve cognitive performance included the use of assistive technology and robotics, early general stimulation, and play-based therapy.</div>
