Test-Retest Reliability of Swallowing Outcome Measures in Huntington's Disease

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Gastroenterology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Dysphagia is a common complication in Huntington's disease (HD).
• Previous studies have described dysphagia in HD using instrumentation.
• The reliability of swallowing measures in HD populations has not been previously evaluated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the test-retest reliability of various swallowing measures in individuals with Huntington's disease and dysphagia.

Main Methods:

• Ten participants with HD and dysphagia underwent assessments over one week.
• Functional swallowing tests included the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) and Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS).
• Swallowing biomechanics were assessed using manofluoroscopy and ultrasound.

Main Results:

• Good to excellent reliability (ICC >0.75) was found in 5/7 functional swallowing parameters (TWST/TOMASS).
• Moderate to excellent reliability (ICC >0.5) was observed in 4/6 ultrasound measures.
• Manometric and videofluoroscopy measures demonstrated poor to moderate test-retest reliability (ICC <0.75).

Conclusions:

• Swallowing measures exhibit variable reliability in individuals with Huntington's disease.
• Findings suggest that functional and ultrasound measures are more reliable for assessing swallowing in HD.
• This data is crucial for selecting appropriate outcome measures in future HD dysphagia research.