MBS measurement tool for swallow impairment-MBSimp: Establishing a standard

Bonnie Martin-Harris, Martin B. Brodsky, Yvonne Michel, Donald O. Castell, Melanie Schleicher, John Sandidge, Rebekah Maxwell, Julie Blair

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

267 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test reliability, content, construct, and external validity of a new modified barium swallowing study (MBSS) tool (MBSImp) that is used to quantify swallowing impairment. Multiple regression, confirmatory factor, and correlation analyses were used to analyze 300 in- and outpatients with heterogeneous medical and surgical diagnoses who were sequentially referred for MBS exams at a university medical center and private tertiary care community hospital. Main outcome measures were the MBSImp and index scores of aspiration, health status, and quality of life. Inter- and intrarater concordance were 80% or greater for blinded scoring of MBSSs. Regression analysis revealed contributions of eight of nine swallow types to impressions of overall swallowing impairment (p < 0.05). Factor analysis revealed 13 significant components (loadings ≥ 0.5) that formed two impairment groupings (oral and pharyngeal). Significant correlations were found between Oral and Pharyngeal Impairment scores and Penetration-Aspiration Scale scores, and indexes of intake status, nutrition, health status, and quality of life. The MBSImp demonstrated clinical practicality, favorable inter- and intrarater reliability following standardized training, content, and external validity. This study reflects potential for establishment of a new standard for quantification and comparison of oropharyngeal swallowing impairment across patient diagnoses as measured on MBSS.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)392-405
Number of pages14
JournalDysphagia
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2008

Keywords

  • Deglutition
  • Deglutition disorders
  • Diagnostic tool
  • Dysphagia
  • Reliability
  • Swallowing
  • Videofluoroscopy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Otorhinolaryngology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Speech and Hearing

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