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The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids and the Timed Water Swallow Test

Completed
Conditions
Swallowing Disorder
Healthy Aging
Gender
Interventions
Diagnostic Test: The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST)
Registration Number
NCT05132452
Lead Sponsor
University of Haifa
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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
298
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.
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Exclusion Criteria
  • SDQ over 11 or medically reported dysphagia not eating crackers due to swallowing difficulty allergy to gluten
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Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
adults living in the communityThe Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST)Healthy community dwelling participants, aged 20 year old and above, without dysphagia.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
bitesone-off assessment

number of bites required to eat the cracker

durationone-off assessment

length of time required to complete the task

swallowsone-off assessment

number of swallows required to complete the task

masticatory cyclesone-off assessment

number of masticatory cycles required to eat the cracker

volumeone-off assessment

the amount of water swallowed

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
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