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. 2008 Dec;23(4):392-405.
doi: 10.1007/s00455-008-9185-9. Epub 2008 Oct 15.

MBS measurement tool for swallow impairment--MBSImp: establishing a standard

Bonnie Martin-Harris  1 , Martin B Brodsky, Yvonne Michel, Donald O Castell, Melanie Schleicher, John Sandidge, Rebekah Maxwell, Julie Blair
Affiliations

MBS measurement tool for swallow impairment--MBSImp: establishing a standard

Bonnie Martin-Harris et al. Dysphagia. 2008 Dec.

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 < or = 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.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Depiction of the operational definition of initiation of the pharyngeal swallow
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Distribution of Oral Impairment total across subjects
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Distribution of Pharyngeal Impairment total across subjects
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Distribution of average PA Scale scores across subjects
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Relationship of Oral Impairment total to diet recommendation
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Relationship of Pharyngeal Impairment total to diet recommendation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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