EBP Compendium: Summary of Systematic Review
Chattanooga Group
Examining the Evidence on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Swallowing: A Meta-Analysis
Carnaby-Mann, G. D., & Crary, M. A.
(2007).
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery, 133(6), 564-571.
Indicators of Review Quality:
|
The review addresses a clearly focused question
| No |
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Criteria for inclusion of studies are provided
| Yes |
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Search strategy is described in sufficient detail for replication
| No |
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Included studies are assessed for study quality
| Yes |
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Quality assessments are reproducible
| Yes |
Description: This is a meta-analysis of case series and controlled trials that investigated the effect of neuromuscular electrical stimulation for swallowing in adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia with mixed etiologies (e.g., stroke, head and neck cancer).
Question(s) Addressed:
Question not specifically stated.
Population: Adults with oropharyngeal dysphagia
Intervention/Assessment: Neuromuscular electrical stimulation "plus therapy." The additional therapy was not otherwise described.
Number of Studies Included: 7
Years Included: 1966- August 2006
Findings:
Conclusions:
- Treatment
- Swallowing
- Electrical Stimulation - Although the findings are not specific to a patient population and are limited by the rigor of the studies available for analysis, these results provide "some evidence that [neuromuscular electrical stimulation] for swallowing therapy may be an effective tool in the rehabilitation of dysphagic patients" (p. 570).
Keywords: Swallowing Disorders, Electrical Stimulation
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Added to Compendium: January 2012