Using motor learning approaches for treating swallowing and feeding disorders: a review.
OBJECTIVE
This article discusses children's development of mature swallowing and feeding as a process of skill acquisition and considers the applicability of motor learning concepts for advancing these capabilities in school-aged children.


METHODS
The motor learning literature was reviewed, with concentration on (a) concepts that are relevant for the acquisition of skill and (b) structuring practice experiences to optimize learning.


RESULTS
The discussion includes (a) swallowing physiology with a focus on motor task components, (b) normal development of eating skills, (c) factors that may slow or disrupt normal development, (d) motor learning concepts found to influence learning efficiency and performance adequacy, (e) applications to the assessment and treatment of pediatric swallowing and feeding disorders, and (f) an illustrative case history.


CONCLUSIONS
Deficiencies in swallowing and feeding may encompass eating, saliva control, swallowing during oral hygiene, and swallowing medications. Motor learning literature provides a rich foundation of evidence-based theory and educational strategies for the development and remediation of motor-based skills such as swallowing and feeding.
Sheppard
Justine J
JJ
Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. jjsheppard@worldnet.att.net
D001288:Attention; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019959:Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D019957:Motor Skills Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D011361:Professional Competence