The Effects of Neurodevelopmental Therapy on Feeding and Swallowing Activities in Children With Cerebral Palsy.
Phase: NA
Conditions: Cerebral Palsy
Sponsor: Marmara University

 
 
 
 
“The effects of Neurodevelopmental Therapy on Feeding and Swallowing 
Activities in Children with Cerebral Palsy”
 
 
 
NCT04403113
 
 
 
15.02.2018
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

STUDY PROTOCOL 
Scientific  
background: 
The trunk plays an important role in the organization of postural control 
and balance reactions because it holds the centre of all body mass and 
holds therefore, the centre of gravity. The trunk also provides stable 
attachment points to those muscles that control the head and neck regions. 
Neck and trunk stabilization exercises were the basis of static and 
dynamic balance abilities, and that increased neck and trunk stability 
might have had a positive effect thereon. To achieve the alignment of the 
head with the trunk, the pelvis must be stabilized. This has important 
consequences for the entire process of swallowing. If the head is not 
stable, then the fine movements of the jaw and tongue needed for feeding 
will be impaired. With feeding and oral-motor interventions and 
structured neck and trunk stabilization exercises, these parameters are 
positively affected. 
Objectives: 
Our study is planned to investigate the effects of neck and trunk 
stabilization exercises, which are structured from the principles of 
Neurodevelopmental 
Therapy 
Method-Bobath (NDT-B), added to 
feeding and oral motor intervention strategies (OMIS) and nutrition-
related caregiver training (NRCT) on feeding and swallowing activities 
in children with cerebral palsy (CP). 
Design,  
Arm 
description:  
-Feeding and oral motor intervention strategies+structured neck and trunk 
stabilization exercises+caregiver training related to feeding (Study 
Group).  
-Feeding and oral motor intervention strategies+caregiver training related 
to feeding (Control Group).  
Intensive structured neck and trunk stabilization exercises based on 
Neurodevelopmental therapy method-Bobath concept principles. These 
exercises were performed for 6 weeks, 2 days a week, 45 minutes for a 
total of 12 sessions. Feeding and oral motor intervention strategies 
program were performed for 6 weeks, 2 days a week, 45 minutes for a 
total of 12 sessions. In caregiver training related to feeding; a) positioning 
and feeding technique during feeding, b) ensuring safety for aspiration, c) 

using suitable containers and ingredients, d) adjusting (adapting) food 
consistency properly, e) preparing small amounts of high-calorie, 
balanced diet and f) reducing food spillage while feeding and how to 
ensure efficacy for shortening the feeding time, g) providing appropriate 
postural and physical support for self-feeding. All of these activities were 
continued for 6 weeks with a home program.  
Sponsor: 
Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey 
Measured 
Parameters: 
-Gross Motor Functions,   
-The Eating and Drinking Ability, 
-The Mini-Manual Ability,  
-Trunk Functionally,  
-Oral-Motor Function in Children with Dysphagia,   
-The Quality of Life for Children with CP, 
- Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).  
Study Center: 
Marmara University Pendik Education And Research Hospital, Istanbul, 
Turkey 
All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were in accordance with 
the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 
Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Ethical 
approval was obtained from the Marmara University Faculty of Medicine Clinical Research 
Ethics Committee protocol code 09.2018.278.