Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in speech therapy rehabilitation of voice and swallowing function in adults-a systematic review.

Introduction: In recent years, a number of clinical trials have been published comparing transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and traditional speech therapy treatment of voice and swallowing functions, but results have been conflicting.

Objective: Assess the methodological quality of studies and determine whether TENS is an efficient therapeutic strategy for speech therapy treatment of healthy adults or those with dysphonia and/or dysphagia.

Methods: The databases used were Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MedLine), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Cochrane Library and Web of Science (ISI Web of Knowledge).