Motor Learning Feeding Interventions for Infants at Risk of Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rehabilitation
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Feeding difficulties and dysphagia are prevalent in cerebral palsy (CP), leading to developmental issues and aspiration pneumonia.
• These challenges significantly impact growth and increase mortality risk in infants with CP.
• Motor learning interventions show promise in other fields and may benefit infants with CP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and appraise research on motor learning-based interventions for dysphagia in infants with or at risk of CP.
• To compare the effectiveness of motor learning interventions against compensatory strategies alone.
• To assess the impact on oropharyngeal function and feeding outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic searches across nine electronic databases.
• Inclusion of studies involving infants (37 weeks post-menstrual to 12 months corrected age) with or at risk of CP.
• Appraisal using the Cho & Bero Instrument and GRADE, focusing on interventions aligning with motor learning principles.

Main Results:

• Five studies (one case-control, four case series) met inclusion criteria.
• All studies combined motor learning with compensatory strategies.
• All reported improved oral feeding outcomes, with three including statistical analysis.

Conclusions:

• The best available evidence suggests a very weak positive effect of motor learning interventions for feeding difficulties in infants with or at risk of CP.
• Current evidence is limited by study design and the combination of interventions.
• Further high-quality research is warranted to establish efficacy.