Oral diadochokinesis as a candidate bedside indicator for swallowing dysfunction assessed by videoendoscopic evaluation using the Hyodo score: retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: 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. AIMS/OBJECTIVES: To investigate associations between ODK and swallowing dysfunction assessed by videoendoscopic examination of swallowing (VE) using the Hyodo score. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: < 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. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced ODK performance was associated with swallowing dysfunction assessed by VE. SIGNIFICANCE: ODK may serve as a simple bedside indicator to identify patients requiring further instrumental evaluation.