EFFECTS OF INSTRUMENTAL FACIAL MASSAGE AND NEUROMOTOR STIMULATION TECHNIQUES IN CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

Abstract

Mastication and swallowing disorders as well as the presence of sialorrhea are some of the severe consequences that often accompany motor disorders in children with cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of applying instrumental facial massage procedures and neuromotor stimulation techniques on orofacial muscles and structures and global motor control in order to improve oral motor functions (mastication and swallowing), reduce sialorrhea and increase the level of motor development. The present study included 10 participants (6 girls and 4 boys) aged 8-10 years diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic tetraplegia form with severe orofacial dysfunction. Children were assessed to determine their level of neuromotor development using the GMFCS (Gross Motor Function Classification System) Scale, muscle tone (pathological hypertonia) by means of the Modified Ashworth Scale, mastication and swallowing impairments through the Likert Scale, and sialorrhea using the Thomas-Stonell and Greenberg Scale. The research participants were applied a programme consisting of instrumental facial massage procedures and neuromotor stimulation techniques performed 4 times a week. Statistical results highlighted that the application of instrumental facial massage procedures and neuromotor stimulation techniques within the classic protocol for the rehabilitation of children with cerebral palsy proved to be effective in the case of the 10 participants, their scores improving at the end of the research compared to those recorded at the beginning of the study.