Early Oral-motor Exercising: An Important Aspect of Children with Cerebral Palsy / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

@#Objective To explore the effects of earlier oral-motor exercise on swallowing and feeding capability of children with cerebral palsy. Methods 36 children accepted oral-motor exercise performed by speech-language therapist once a day for 3 months. They were assessed for oral motor and feeding before and after treatment, and compared with other 36 controls matched with age and type. Results The oral motor in treatment group improved significantly （t=2.184,P<0.05） after treatment, but merely in control. The difference of scores of oral motor before and after treatment was (9.89±4.33) in treatment group, and (3.38±1.56) in control group (t=7.423, P<0.01). Conclusion Early oral-motor exercises is effective to improve oral motor function and feeding capability.