Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Conjunction with Conventional Swallowing Therapy in the Treatment of Dysphagia Caused by Multiple Sclerosis: A Single-Case Experimental Design.

Introduction: Dysphagia as a consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS) puts individuals at higher risk of dehydration, malnutrition, and aspiration pneumonia. This study intended to investigate the effects of a combined program of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and conventional swallowing therapy to improve swallow safety and efficiency, oral intake, and physical, emotional, and functional impacts of dysphagia in people with dysphagia and MS.

Methods: In this single-case experimental study with ABA design, two participants with dysphagia caused by MS underwent 12 sessions therapy during 6 weeks following a baseline of 4 evaluation sessions.