ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the Oral Motor Facilitation Technique (OMFT) on the feeding function of children with CP.Methods: A total of 21 participants having CP (3 to 10 years in age) with dysphagia were used in this study. The GMFCS levels of the subjects were from III to V. OMFT was provided 1 time a week (for 30 minutes a session)for 16 weeks (16 sessions). The feeding function (EDACS) was assessed three times prior to treatment, as well as 8 and 16 weeks after OMFT.Results: The feeding function was significantly increased in all subjects (p < 0.000) after 8 and 16 weeks of OMFT. Specifically, the results after 16 weeks were more effective than those after 8 weeks. OMFT was also found to be effective on older children with perceptual limitations and severe motion function problems.Conclusion: OMFT was proven to be a useful oral motor treatment method for improving the feeding function. Based on the results of this study, at least 8 weeks of treatment are needed. In addition, a proper treatment period (16 weeks) was established under clinical settings. OMFT is a helpful oral motor treatment method for clinicians aiming to increase the feeding function of children with CP of various ages, motor functions, and types.