Effects of electrostimulation associated with masticatory training in individuals with down syndrome.

Denilma Lígia Da Silva Alves Pinheiro,Larissa Nadjara Alves De Almeida,Suzana Maria De Freitas Pereira,Lidiane Assis Da Silva,Giorvan Ânderson Dos Santos Alves,Fernanda Magda Montenegro Fausto,Luciane Spinelli De Figueiredo Pessoa

doi:10.1590/2317-1782/20182017074

Denilma Lígia Da Silva Alves Pinheiro, Larissa Nadjara Alves De Almeida + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/2317-1782/20182017074

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Journal: CoDAS	Publication Date: May 28, 2018
Citations: 9	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Abstract

Purpose Investigate and measure the effects of electrostimulation on the orofacial musculature and on the chewing, breathing and swallowing functions of individuals with Down syndrome. Methods Study participants were 16 individuals with Down syndrome (six males and 10 females) from an institutional extension project aged nine to 25 years. Speech-language pathology assessment was performed using the protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES) pre- and post-intervention. This protocol comprised eight weekly electrostimulation sessions. Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) current was used at a frequency of 10Hz in warm-up and 30Hz in application, intermittent stimulation (cycling pulses) with ON-time of 5s and OFF-time of 10s common to both stages, and pulse width of 200μs in warm-up and 250μs in application. Results Significant differences were observed between pre- and post-application of FES regarding cheek appearance (flaccidity and arching), tongue mobility (right and left laterality), and musculature behavior during performance of functions of the stomatognathic system: respiration, deglutition (lip behavior), and mastication (bite and trituration). Conclusion Effects of electrostimulation associated with masticatory training of the masseter muscles were statistically identified, with functional gains in chewing, breathing and swallowing performance in individuals with Down syndrome.

Highlights

Down syndrome (DS) is a genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome, most commonly Trisomy 21, originally described by John Langdon Haydon Down in 1866(1,2).One of the characteristics most commonly found in individuals with DS is the presence of generalized muscular hypotonia, which directly affects the stomatognathic system (SS)
Speech-language pathology assessment was performed using the protocol of Orofacial Myofunctional Evaluation with Scores (OMES) pre- and post-intervention
Flaccidity and arching was observed at pre-intervention, which improved at post-intervention and was classified as typical (Table 2)

Summary

Introduction

One of the characteristics most commonly found in individuals with DS is the presence of generalized muscular hypotonia, which directly affects the stomatognathic system (SS). This hypotonia, which emanates from the central nervous system, affects muscles and ligaments, interfering negatively in this system[3]. Based on physiological concepts that provoke excitability in the nerves and muscle fibers, electrostimulation is a non-invasive method with no systemic implications that does not cause dependence and has no undesirable side effects. It is a possibility of intervention in muscular activity indicated to strengthen the musculature[8]. Aiming to increase the number of application possibilities of technological resources combined with the conventional technique, Speech-language Pathology (SLP) can favor and reveal satisfactory results in the treatments

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Conclusion