Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Children With Dysphagia: A Systematic Review

BMJ Open

Propp, R., Gill, P. J., et al. (2022).

BMJ Open, 12(3), e055124.

This systematic review investigates the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in children with dysphagia. 

The Hospital for Sick Children (Canada)



From database inception to November 26, 2020

Randomised controlled trials, cohort studies, case–control studies, cross-sectional studies, and case series

10

<div>Of note, results should be interpreted with caution given an overall paucity of evidence, small sample sizes within included studies, and moderate to high risk of bias. Findings demonstrated swallowing function and feeding improvements following neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) treatment in children with dysphagia. Limited findings were noted in the areas of health outcomes, impact on caregiver, adverse events, and children's quality of life. Further research is needed to make any firm conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of NMES in children with dysphagia.</div>