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

Study Overview
=================
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.

Official Title
-----------------
The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids and the Timed Water Swallow Test: Reliability, Associations, Age and Gender Effects, and Normative Data

Conditions
-----------------
Healthy Aging, Gender, Swallowing Disorder

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Diagnostic Test: The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST)


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
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

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 20 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| adults living in the community<br>Healthy community dwelling participants, aged 20 year old and above, without dysphagia. | Diagnostic Test: The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST)<br>* Participants swallowed one cracker for the TOMASS. They swallowed 150 mL of water for the TWST.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| duration | length of time required to complete the task | one-off assessment | 
| swallows | number of swallows required to complete the task | one-off assessment | 
| bites | number of bites required to eat the cracker | one-off assessment | 
| masticatory cycles | number of masticatory cycles required to eat the cracker | one-off assessment | 
| volume | the amount of water swallowed | one-off assessment |