Gender, Healthy Aging, Swallowing Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aimed to gather more information regarding two clinically relevant tests: The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST). Both tests can be used clinically as part of swallowing disorders evaluation. The aims of the study were to assess the reliability of the two tests, to document the effects of age and gender on the outcome measures of the TOMASS and TWST and to explore the relationship between participants' function in the two tests. To do that, 298 healthy participants were included. All of them did not have dysphagia. Most of them were elderly.
Detailed description
Background: Quantitative measures of swallowing function can increase accuracy, reliability, and improve clinical decision making. The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) are functional tests of swallowing that provide quantitative results. Objectives: To explore the relationship between TOMASS and TWST; evaluate test-retest and interrater reliability; explore age and gender effects; and to gather normative data. Methods: Healthy community dwelling participants (n = 298, ≥20 years old) were recruited. Of those, 126 were included in the reliability study. Participants completed the TWST and TOMASS.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TESTThe Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST)
Participants swallowed one cracker for the TOMASS. They swallowed 150 mL of water for the TWST.
Sponsors
University of Haifa
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* all participants were eligible to participate if they were over 20 years of age, with no known medical history of dysphagia, had an SDQ score of less than 11, indicating no suspicion for dysphagia, were able to give a written informed consent, and could follow simple verbal instructions. In addition, all participants indicated that they do not avoid eating crackers due to swallowing disorders or allergies.
Exclusion criteria
* SDQ over 11 or medically reported dysphagia not eating crackers due to swallowing difficulty allergy to gluten
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| duration | one-off assessment | length of time required to complete the task |
| swallows | one-off assessment | number of swallows required to complete the task |
| bites | one-off assessment | number of bites required to eat the cracker |
| masticatory cycles | one-off assessment | number of masticatory cycles required to eat the cracker |
| volume | one-off assessment | the amount of water swallowed |
Outcome results
None listed