Feeding and Articulation Abilities in Children with Cerebral Palsy according to Swallowing Function

Objectives: Swallowing function in children with cerebral palsy is closely related to the structure and function of articulatory organs required for speech production and articulation accuracy. This study aims to find clinical evidence by examining the relationships among swallowing function, feeding ability, and articulation ability in children with cerebral palsy in Korea. Methods: A total of 31 children with cerebral palsy were assessed, divided into a functional swallowing group (N=18) and a limited swallowing group (N=13) based on the eating and drinking ability classification system (EDACS). The Korean assessment method for feeding abilities in children with cerebral palsy, speech mechanism screening test for children (SMST-C), and Urimal test of articulation and phonology (U-TAP) were administered. Results: The limited swallowing group showed significantly lower feeding abilities for thick liquids and solid foods, as well as lower scores in articulatory organ structure and function, with a greater disparity in function. They also had lower articulation accuracy, though consonant and vowel accuracy did not differ significantly. Correlations among feeding ability, articulatory organ characteristics, and articulation accuracy varied by swallowing function and food texture. Conclusion: This study extends previous research findings by highlighting differences in feeding ability, articulatory structure and function, and articulation accuracy according to swallowing function in children with cerebral palsy based on the EDACS. The findings highlight that children with limited swallowing function face greater challenges in articulatory function, impacting both feeding and speech production, thereby emphasizing the need for oral motor training targeting these areas.