title: Application of Kinesio Taping method for newborn swallowing difficultly: A case report and literature review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Preterm infants are at an increased risk of sucking problems, swallowing difficulty, and poor nourishment. During the neonatal period, the neurobehavioral organization of a preterm baby is poor compared with that of appropriate gestational age infants. Kinesio Taping has been widely used for edema control, joint protection, and proprioception training. With the help of augmentation of the sensory input for muscle facilitation and inhibition through tapping, the coordination of the target muscle groups can be improved. Until now, no research is available on the use of Kinesio Taping for the swallowing difficulty of infant.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reported a preterm infant suffering from brain edema at birth and swallowing difficultly until 40 weeks. The swallowing reflex was delayed. Moreover, lip closure and rooting reflex combined with the dysfunction grade of jaw movement were poor. We performed KT methods on the baby under the theory of the direction of the tape for facilitate or inhibit the muscle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the Kinesio Taping treatment, the sucking function was improved with good lip closure.One week later, the baby was discharged without the use of an oral gastric tube.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Kinesio Taping contributed significantly to the improvement of impaired sucking and swallowing and could be implemented as a regular rehabilitative approach for infants suffering from these difficulties.
authors: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, China Medical University Hospital School of Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Community and Geriatric Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Bei-Hu Branch National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei Department of Medical Education, China Medical University Hospital Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
authors: Chien-Lin
authors: CL
authors: Lin
authors: Wei-Ting
authors: WT
authors: Wu
authors: Ke-Vin
authors: KV
authors: Chang
authors: Hong-Yi
authors: HY
authors: Lin
authors: Li-Wei
authors: LW
authors: Chou
mesh_terms: D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D013391:Sucking Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D053832:Surgical Tape