ERIC Number: EJ1225256
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019-Aug
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1092-4388
EISSN: N/A
Neuromuscular Development in Neonates and Postnatal Infants: Implications for Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Dysphagia
Epperson, Hannah E.; Sandage, Mary J.
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, v62 n8 p2575-2583 Aug 2019
Purpose: The aim of the current study was to review neuromuscular development, summarize the current body of evidence describing the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) therapy in infants, and identify possible contraindications for the use of NMES in the neonate and young infant. Method: After a review of the literature describing neuromuscular development, we created a timeline of the developmental processes. Key milestones were determined, and a literature search was conducted to identify potential effects of electrical stimulation on this process. Results: Current evidence supporting the use of NMES in the pediatric population is limited and of poor quality. Contraindications of the use of NMES in the neonate and young infant were identified, including (a) inhibited expression of the neural cell adhesion molecule that is vital for neuromuscular development, (b) alteration of muscle fiber type metabolic profile away from intended muscle fiber type morphology, and (c) interruption of postsynaptic acetylcholine receptor synthesis during neuromuscular junction development. Conclusion: The use of NMES for the treatment of dysphagia in the neonate and young infant may influence early neuromuscular development in a manner that is not currently well understood. Future research is needed to further understand the effects of NMES on the developing neuromuscular system.
Descriptors: Physical Disabilities, Physiology, Neonates, Infants, Stimulation, Therapy, Psychomotor Skills, Physical Development, Developmental Stages, Pediatrics, Identification, Metabolism, Human Body, Brain Hemisphere Functions
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. 2200 Research Blvd #250, Rockville, MD 20850. Tel: 301-296-5700; Fax: 301-296-8580; e-mail: slhr@asha.org; Web site: http://jslhr.pubs.asha.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A