Effectiveness of different application parameters of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for the treatment of dysphagia after a stroke: a systematic review
DATE:
2020-08-12
UNIVERSAL IDENTIFIER: http://hdl.handle.net/11093/1706
EDITED VERSION: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/9/8/2618
UNESCO SUBJECT: 2411.07 Fisiología de la Digestión ; 2402.15 Envejecimiento Somático ; 3205.07 Neurología
DOCUMENT TYPE: article
ABSTRACT
Background: Dysphagia causes severe complications among people with a stroke. Physiotherapy allows the cure of this pathology, and among the tools it offers is neuromuscular electrical stimulation. However, this is a technique that has not been protocolized. Therefore, it was considered necessary to carry out a systematic review on the efficacy of the various parameters of application of the neuromuscular electrical stimulation in dysphagia generated after a stroke. Methods: A systematic search for publications was conducted in March 2020 in the Pubmed, Cinahl, Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases, using as search terms: Electric stimulation therapy, Deglutition disorders and Stroke. Results: 21 articles were obtained in which the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation was applied in isolation (n = 7) or in combination with other techniques such as strengthening exercises and manual therapy techniques (n = 14), with this second modality of treatment having greater benefits for patients. Conclusion: The greatest efficacy of this technique is reached when applied at 60-80 Hz, 700 μs of pulse duration, at the motor intensity threshold and in sessions of 20–30 min.