Effects of Photobiomodulation on Orofacial Function and Electromyography in Children and Adolescents With Down Syndrome: A Preliminary Case Series.

INTRODUCTION

Down syndrome (DS) causes motor and cognitive impairments, including hypotonia that compromises orofacial functions.

OBJECTIVE

To report the effects of LED photobiomodulation (PBM) on masticatory muscle stability and orofacial function in children and adolescents with DS.

METHODS

Five individuals with DS underwent three PBM sessions. Orofacial function was assessed using the NOT-S protocol and electromyography measured masseter and temporalis muscle activity.

RESULTS

Electromyography showed greater muscle stability, reduced variability in electrical signals, and more balanced chewing forces. The NOT-S indicated improvements in nasal breathing and salivation control. However, discrepancies were observed between clinical findings and questionnaire responses, mainly in chewing function.

CONCLUSION

PBM with red LED may represent a promising complementary approach for supporting orofacial function and muscle stability in children and adolescents with DS. However, these preliminary observations require confirmation through future studies with larger, more homogeneous samples and long-term follow-up.