This study examined the effect of Functional Chewing Training(FuCT) on tongue thrust and drooling in children with cerebral palsy.
Children were divided into two groups: The FuCT group and control group receiving classical oral motor exercises. Each group received training for 12 weeks. Oral motor assessment was performed. Chewing performance level was determined with the Karaduman Chewing Performance Scale(KCPS). Tongue thrust severity was evaluated with the Tongue Thrust Rating Scale(TTRS). The Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale(DSFS) was used to evaluate drooling severity and frequency. The evaluations were performed before and after treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
32
FuCT; * Family training * Providing optimal sitting posture for children to support oral sensorimotor functions * Positioning the food to the molar area during every meal to stimulate lateral and rotational tongue movements * Massage of the upper and lower gums through the front teeth to molar area * Chewing training to stimulate lateral and rotational tongue movements * Gradually increasing the food consistency, for 12 weeks in 5 sets (1 set = 20 min) each day
Classical Oral Motor Exercises; * Family training * passive and active lip and tongue exercises, for 12 weeks in 5 sets (1 set = 20 min) each day
Tongue Thrust Rating Scale
Tongue thrust for each child is scored while they are feeding.
Time frame: 12 weeks
The Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale
Parents were asked how often and in which severity experiencing drooling their children.
Time frame: 12 weeks
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