Elastic bandage as a therapeutic resource for the control of sialorrhea: an analysis of its efficacy

Abstract

Objective: To verify the efficacy of elastic bandaging in supra-hyoid muscles in patients with cerebral palsy. Method: Prospective clinical study with the technique of standardized applications of elastic bandage in suprahyoid muscles, performed for 8 weeks, consisting of three times a week. In order to analyze the efficacy of the procedure, questionnaires were applied (quality of life, control of saliva swallowing, frequency and severity of sialorrhea) and evaluation of sialorrhea staging in pre and post-therapy periods. There were compared two groups of patients, one called as assisted waiting and the other experimental , were compared with four subjects in the group, equally divided between sexes, aged between four and twelve years (9 years ± 3.55) for the experimental group and between three and seven years (4.25 ± 1.89) the assisted waiting period. Elastic bandage was considered effective when the total score obtained after the procedure was equal to, or greater than three points. Results: According to the responsible persons there was a decrease in sialorrhea in all subjects of the experimental group by the use of elastic bandage, and improvement in quality of life. However, no progress was observed in the assisted waiting group. Conclusion: The efficacy of elastic bandaging for the control of sialorrhea was confirmed in the experimental group, contributing to the knowledge in the area of orofacial motricity, besides emphasizing the reflection about noninvasive speech therapy procedures