Influence of oromotor functions on motor development and feeding outcomes in children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE(S): Children with cerebral palsy often face feeding and swallowing issues, the most common of which include aspiration during feeding and potential pulmonary complications. This impairment can influence other areas of development, including gross motor function, fine motor skills, and oromotor functions involved in feeding and swallowing. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the level of gross motor function, feeding level, oromotor structural dysfunction, tongue thrust, and eating performance in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

PATIENTS/MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of fifty-five children diagnosed with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy, with a mean age of 4.84  years and a mean weight of 12.46  kg. Participants' ages ranged from 2 to 14  years. All patients underwent evaluations to determine their level of gross motor function using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), feeding level assessed using the Functional Oral Intake Scale, assessment of oromotor structural dysfunction using the Orofacial Motor Functional Assessment Scale, tongue thrust using the Tongue Thrust Rating Scale, and feeding performance using the Oral Motor Assessment Scale.

RESULTS

Correlational analysis revealed that children with better gross motor function tended to exhibit improved feeding levels, orofacial motor function, and feeding performance ( < 0.05); however, no significant relationship was observed between gross motor function and tongue thrust. Regression models showed moderate positive correlations for age, weight, and height, with respective values of 0.21, 0.23, and 0.28, indicating some influence on outcomes, but with much unexplained variability.

CONCLUSIONS

Gross motor function significantly influences feeding and orofacial motor function. These findings suggest that individuals with higher feeding levels tend to have better overall orofacial motor function and feeding performance. Understanding these relationships can inform interventions aimed at improving feeding outcomes and the overall quality of life of children with CP.