Purpose: A systematic review was conducted to summarize and evaluate the literature on the effectiveness of speech pathology interventions in adults with neuromuscular diseases.
Method: Databases searched included the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and PubMed. A total of 1,772 articles were independently screened on title and abstract by 2 reviewers.
Results: No randomized controlled trials or clinical controlled trials were found. Four other designs were included. Only one study on oculopharyngeal muscle dystrophy (OPMD) appeared to have sufficient methodological quality. There is evidence indicating that correction of head position in patients with OPMD improves swallowing efficiency (level III evidence).
Conclusion: Despite 1,772 studies, there is only evidence of level III regarding the effectiveness of speech pathology interventions in patients with OPMD. Recommendations for future research are given.
Copyright © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.