Why VitalStim®
Research and evidence

The science behind VitalStim® Therapy

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), delivered through VitalStim, is an extensively researched therapy for dysphagia. This page summarizes key findings and what they mean for patient care.

100+peer-reviewed studies
90%+use the VitalStim device and protocols
What the evidence shows

Key findings

Safety

Well established, with no adverse events reported in regulatory or clinical studies.

Efficacy

Studies show NMES improves swallowing safety, muscle coordination, and quality of life.

Patient and therapist satisfaction

Both patients and therapists report good outcomes with no adverse events.

Benefits

Broad applicability across patient populations, including post-stroke, head and neck cancer, Parkinson’s, and NICU graduates.

Adults

Featured research

01Meta-analysis2007

Examining the Evidence on Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Swallowing: A Meta-Analysis

Carnaby-Mann, G.D., & Crary, M.A.NMES enhances outcomes in swallowing rehabilitation when combined with traditional therapy.
  • Found a significant effect size for NMES over traditional swallowing therapy.
  • Demonstrated the efficacy of NMES in dysphagia treatment.
Read the study
02Randomized trial2012

Randomized Control Study of NMES in Post-Stroke Dysphagia Patients

Park, C.L., O’Neill, P.A., & Martin, D.F.Patients with post-stroke dysphagia showed measurable improvements in safety and efficiency of swallowing.
  • Improved hyolaryngeal excursion and overall swallowing function in stroke patients.
  • Strong clinical trial evidence.
03Systematic review2015

Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Dysphagia: A Systematic Review

Chen, Y.W., et al.NMES should be considered as an adjunctive therapy for dysphagia rehabilitation.Read the study
04Head and neck cancer2011

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Swallowing in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Bhatt, A.D., et al.NMES offers hope for head and neck cancer patients facing swallowing difficulties.
  • Demonstrated improvement in swallowing function and quality of life for cancer patients.
  • Highlights the effectiveness of VitalStim in challenging cases.
05Review2016

Safety of NMES for Dysphagia Treatment: A Comprehensive Review

Zhang, M., et al.NMES is a safe and effective option for addressing swallowing impairments.
  • Emphasized the safety of NMES, with no significant adverse effects reported across studies.
  • Gives patients and providers reassurance about the therapy’s reliability.
Pediatrics

Evidence for children and infants

Pediatric dysphagia is complex, but research consistently supports the safety and efficacy of NMES in helping children swallow safely and effectively.

01Review of evidence2010

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation for Pediatric Dysphagia: A Review of Evidence

Bülow, M., Speyer, R., et al.VitalStim Therapy has shown measurable improvements in swallowing safety and effectiveness for children with neurological and developmental challenges.
  • Discusses the safe application of NMES for children, including those with neurological conditions.
  • Shows improved swallowing coordination and muscle activation in pediatric populations.
02NICU graduates2011

Effectiveness of NMES for NICU Graduates with Dysphagia

Rice, M.S., & Cameron, R.G.NICU graduates receiving NMES therapy achieved significant milestones in oral feeding skills and weight gain.
  • Focused on infants moving from tube feeding to oral feeding.
  • Reported success in improving oral intake and reducing reliance on supplemental nutrition.
03Pediatric feeding2013

NMES as an Adjunct to Feeding Therapy in Pediatric Patients

Heppner, K., & Zielske, A.Integrating NMES with feeding therapy allows children to progress faster toward safe and effective mealtime skills.
  • Discusses how NMES speeds progress in feeding therapy for children with complex medical histories.
  • Highlights improvements in motor coordination and reduced aspiration.
See it in practice

From the studies to the clinic

Hear therapists describe the results they see with their own patients, or find a provider near you.