Oral diadochokinesis as a candidate bedside indicator for swallowing dysfunction assessed by videoendoscopic...

Early identification of swallowing dysfunction is important in aging populations because dysphagia is associated with malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, and reduced quality of life. Oral diadochokinesis (ODK) is a simple, noninvasive test of oral motor function, however, its relationship with swallowing dysfunction remains unclear.

To investigate associations between ODK and swallowing dysfunction assessed by videoendoscopic examination of swallowing (VE) using the Hyodo score.

This retrospective study included 42 patients who underwent VE for suspected dysphagia. Swallowing function was assessed using the Hyodo score, and patients were classified into two groups (≤4 and ≥5). ODK was evaluated by measuring repetition rates of /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/. Group comparisons, correlation analyses, ROC curve analyses, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed.

ODK values were significantly lower in patients with Hyodo scores ≥5 (p < 0.0001). The Hyodo score showed significant negative correlations with ODK /pa/ (r= -0.6632), /ta/ (r= -0.5988), and /ka/ (r= -0.6274) (p < 0.0001). ROC analysis demonstrated good discrimination (AUCs: 0.8535, 0.8444, and 0.8352). Lower values of ODK were independently associated with swallowing dysfunction.

Reduced ODK performance was associated with swallowing dysfunction assessed by VE.

ODK may serve as a simple bedside indicator to identify patients requiring further instrumental evaluation.