Swati
Objective: To investigate whether application of kinesio taping as an adjunct to oral motor therapy is beneficial and time efficient in reducing drooling and enhancing mouth closure inspite of oral motor therapy alone and to investigate the social stigma associated with drooling.
Background: As the child grows, the rate of drooling decreases due to the maturation of Oral Motor-Sensory functions and will lead saliva control. However, if the drooling continues after 4 years of age in the awake state is considered abnormal. Oral Motor Therapy includes active and passive exercises, and sensory stimulation. Kinesio tape in pediatrics is an emerging field with various studies conducted on its use in children with cerebral palsy in improving motor function and motor impairment.
Materials and methods: Experimental trial in which 30 neurologically impaired children with drooling were randomly allocated to Oral Motor therapy alone (Group A) and in kinesio tape and oral motor therapy intervention (Group B). Primary outcome measures were Drooling Impact Scale, Thomas-Stonell Drooling scale and Lip closure measurement. RESULT: Both the groups were found to be significantly effective in reducing drooling but the combination of kinesio taping with oral motor facilitation in group A was found to be more effective in enhancing mouth closure and reducing frequency and severity of drooling.
Conclusion: Oral Motor stimulation was proved to be significantly beneficial in reducing the frequency and severity of drooling in neurologically impaired children. Time efficient treatment for the controlling drooling was statistically significant in intervention using kinesiotaping and oral motor therapy. Also, the quality of life of the children was also improved with the above intervention protocol.
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