Evaluation of efficacy of app-based oral motor therapy and behavior therapy in improving functions of oral musculature and oral hygiene in children with cerebral palsy: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: The prevalent orofacial dysfunctions (OFDs) observed in children with cerebral palsy (CP) make it difficult to maintain routine oral hygiene.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of app-based oral motor therapy (OMT) and behavior therapy (BT) in improving the functions of oral musculature and oral hygiene among children with CP.

Settings and design: It is a randomized, double-blinded, parallel-group, multicenter trial.

Methodology: The study comprised 228 CP children aged 4-14 years who were randomly assigned into two groups - Group 1 (mobile app-based OMT) and Group 2 (BT). They were subjected to assessment of OFDs using Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening (NOT-S). They were also assessed for dental caries, brushing frequency, and oral hygiene. Baseline evaluations prior to interventions and follow-up scores postinterventions (6 months later) were done.

Statistical analysis: The Wilcoxon's signed-rank test, McNemar's test, and Marginal Homogeneity test were utilized for the study. SPSS (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, version 25. Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp) statistical software was used to analyse the data, and results were considered statistically significant whenever P ≤ 0.05.

Results: The mean NOT-S scores in both groups reduced significantly postintervention (P < 0.05). There was no significant change in mean caries experience in both groups postintervention. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) changes were seen in brushing frequency and debris index scores in both groups after the interventions.

Conclusion: Consistently performing app-based OMT using oral motor and sensory tools helps in overcoming problems associated with OFDs that children with CP experience. Further research with cross-over study designs can be performed in future.