Article

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) may have potential as a treatment for
muscle weakness as it may improve strength when applied to the orofacial muscles.
However, before incorporating this procedure into clinical practice, research is
needed to investigate its effects on lingual and facial muscles of speech and mastication.
The aim of this study was to determine what effect(s) submental and
labial NMES would have on lingual and labial muscle strength in healthy
participants. Fourteen healthy adults (27-49 years old) were assigned to two
groups (treatment and control). A pretreatment and post-treatment test using the
Iowa Oral Performance Instrument was used to measure the strength of labial and
lingual muscles in both groups. Participants in the treatment group received
labial and submental NMES while performing a structured labial, buccal, and
lingual exercise program. In contrast, participants in the control group
completed the same oral motor exercise program without stimulation. RESULTS: On
comparing the total change in labial and lingual strength between the two groups,
an increase in total labial strength was found in the treatment group compared
with the control group. However, the control group showed an increase in total
lingual strength compared with the treatment group. Results for all measurements
were not statistically significant. This study concluded that NMES may be a
promising modality to combine with labial and buccal exercises for improvement of muscle strength.

Langue : ANGLAIS