Evidence-Based Systematic Review: Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Swallowing and Neural Activation
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
Clark, H., Lazarus, C., et al. (2009).
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 18(4), 361-375.
This systematic review investigates the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on swallowing outcomes and neural activation. The majority of studies examined the stroke population. Other populations included individuals with progressive neurological disease and cancer.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
1960-2007
Published exploratory and efficacy studies
14
"[Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)] to the neck for the purpose of muscle strengthening has been most extensively studied with promising findings" (p. 374). No evidence was found for the efficacy of NMES to the palate, faucial pillars, and pharynx to improve dysphagia. Further research is warranted to determine the effects of NMES on swallowing physiology, pulmonary health and functional outcomes.
