Effects of TENS for dysphagia adults with stroke Efectos de la Electro-Estimulación Neuro-Muscular en adultos disfágicos con secuelas de Accidentes Cerebro-Vasculares: Revisión de literatura.

Abstract

Introduction: One of the tools currently used as a therapeutic adjunct in the rehabilitation of neurogenic dysphagia is neuromuscular electrostimulation (NMES), considered a non-invasive technique, applied through electrodes in a transcutaneous way. Neuromuscular electrostimulation aims to promote the movement of the hiolaringeal complex and favoring the muscular groups directly involved in swallowing, hence the importance of conceptual, theoretical and procedural support for the Technician’s attention in the Speech-Language Pathologist. Methods: Systematic review was based on the Prisma methodology, the databases Scielo, Lilacs and PubMed were consulted using the descriptors “Deglutition”, “Cerebral Vascular Accident”, “Dysphagia”, “Electrostimulation”, “Effects” (Swallowing, Stroke, Dysphagia, Electrostimulation, Effects). Results: 79 studies were found related to the descriptors used, 13 studies when the descriptors were related to the technique of Functional Electrostimulation. Most of the studies selected and reviewed showed beneficial effects as a result of traditional therapy combined with NMES, these effects were: significant changes in oral intake level, greater significance in the penetration scale, and Aspiration with decrease in oral and pharyngeal transit time of swallowing. Conclusions: Studies investigated showed that NMES is an effective tool when used in a complementary way with traditional therapy for dysphagia in cases of stroke.