Revised analysis of NMES for dysphagia management : A systematic review

Physiotherapy

Introduction: Parkinson,s disease is characterized by a motor syndrome that includes bradykinesia, rest tremors, and rigidity, coupled with changes in posture and gait.Dysphagia or swallowing difficulties are commonly seen in parkinson,s disease. These are primarily linked to the oral and pharyngeal phases, leading to issues such as improper bolus formation, a delayed swallowing reflex, and the need for repeated swallows to clear the throat. PD-inspired dysphagia aspiration is associated with serious complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition, dehydration, and increased mortality.The pathophysiology of PD dysphagia is complex and includes the stiffness of the oropharyngeal muscles and bradykinesia , aspiration pneumonia, decrease in coordination of swallowing stages, and loss of voluntary control over swallowing , decreased hyoid bone movement and increased oropharyngeal transit time . Methodology: A comprehensive literature review was performed, identifying 30 relevant studies, out of which 10 met the inclusion criteria. These studies involved varied populations and intervention approaches, highlighting the benefits of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) in improving swallowing ability, diet intake and improving the overall quality of life in individuals with dysphagia. Discussion: This review analyzes the outcomes of the selected studies, highlighting the effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). It also identifies limitations such as small sample sizes and the lack of direct comparative studies. The findings emphasize the need for further research to establish standardized treatment protocols and assess these interventions in broader and more diverse populations. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that the Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) is an effective intervention for patients with dysphagia in improving swallowing ability, diet intake and quality of life. Participants who underwent NMES demonstrated significant improvements in swallowing ability.

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