Quantitative Measurement of Swallowing Performance Using Iowa Oral Performance Instrument: A Systematic Review and...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Speech and Hearing Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Swallowing is vital for nutrition and airway protection.
• Impaired swallowing (dysphagia) presents significant clinical challenges.
• Accurate, non-invasive diagnostic tools are crucial for dysphagia management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the reliability of the Iowa Oral Pressure Instrument (IOPI).
• To assess IOPI's ability to differentiate healthy controls (HC) from patients with dysphagia.
• To evaluate IOPI's utility in assessing treatment outcomes for swallowing disorders.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Lilacs databases.
• Included 33 studies (case-control and interventional) reporting IOPI measurements; low risk of bias assessed.

Main Results:

• Maximum tongue pressure (MIP) was significantly higher in HC than in patients (mean difference: 18.2 KPa).
• This difference was more pronounced in children than adults.
• Tongue endurance (TE) showed inconsistent results, with a slight tendency for higher values in HC.
• Interventional studies showed increased MIP post-treatment, with superior outcomes from tongue training exercises.

Conclusions:

• MIP measured by IOPI is a reliable indicator of swallowing function in adults and children.
• IOPI effectively distinguishes between healthy individuals and those with dysphagia, particularly in pediatric populations.
• IOPI can monitor functional improvements after swallowing interventions, highlighting the efficacy of targeted tongue training.