Automated Assessment of Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids Using a Neck-Worn Electronic Stethoscope: A Pilot Study.

IF 4 3区医学 Q1 DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE

Journal of oral rehabilitation Pub Date : 2025-08-01 DOI:10.1111/joor.70030

Amika Sugita, Risako Mikami, Johanna Anderson, Mats Stading, Dushyantha Jayatilake, Kenji Suzuki, Koichiro Matsuo

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: The Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) is a validated screening tool for assessing masticatory and swallowing functions. However, the conventional TOMASS relies on operator-dependent methods, which limit its objectivity and efficiency. The neck-worn electronic stethoscope (NWES), a contact sensor positioned on the back of the neck, has recently been developed to automatically detect and monitor swallowing actions through deep learning-based analysis of collected sound data.

Objective: This study piloted a semi-automated assessment approach using a NWES to objectively measure TOMASS parameters and examine the influence of age and gender.

Methods: A total of 123 healthy adults (mean age: 58.7 ± 18.5 years) consumed two crackers while audio data recorded using a NWES and visual data were collected by smartphone. Measurements included discrete bite count, swallow count, oral processing and swallowing time (OPST), and first OPST (1st-OPST). Statistical analyses were conducted to assess gender- and age-related changes and differences.

Results: The NWES enabled objective and precise TOMASS measurements. Age-related prolongation of OPST and 1st-OPST was observed, particularly in men (p < 0.001). Women exhibited fewer age-related changes in OPST, although swallow count tended to decrease with age (p < 0.001). Regarding gender differences, younger women demonstrated higher bite (2.3 [interquartile range (IQR): 1.0-3.0] vs. 1 [IQR: 1.0-2.0], p = 0.042) and swallow counts (2.5 [IQR: 2.0-2.5] vs. 2 [IQR: 1.0-2.0], p = 0.026) compared with men.

Conclusion: The NWES appeared suitable as an objective, efficient tool for automated TOMASS evaluation. Age-related changes in masticatory and swallowing performance differed according to gender, highlighting the need for tailored assessments. Future research on NWES-based TOMASS measurements should include diverse populations and extension to dysphagia and masticatory dysfunction.

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使用颈戴式电子听诊器自动评估咀嚼和吞咽固体的测试：一项初步研究。

背景：咀嚼和吞咽固体测试（TOMASS）是一种有效的评估咀嚼和吞咽功能的筛选工具。然而，传统的TOMASS依赖于算子依赖方法，限制了其客观性和效率。最近开发的颈戴式电子听诊器（NWES）是一种放置在脖子后面的接触式传感器，通过对收集的声音数据进行深度学习分析，自动检测和监测吞咽动作。目的：本研究试点了一种半自动化评估方法，使用NWES客观地测量TOMASS参数，并检查年龄和性别的影响。方法：123名健康成人（平均年龄：58.7±18.5岁）食用2个饼干，同时用NWES记录音频数据，用智能手机收集视觉数据。测量包括离散咬入计数、吞咽计数、口腔处理和吞咽时间（OPST）和第一次OPST （1 -OPST）。进行统计分析以评估性别和年龄相关的变化和差异。结果：NWES实现了客观、精确的TOMASS测量。观察到与年龄相关的OPST和第一期OPST延长，特别是在男性中(p)。结论：NWES是一种客观、有效的自动化TOMASS评估工具。咀嚼和吞咽功能的年龄相关变化因性别而异，这突出了量身定制评估的必要性。基于nwes的TOMASS测量的未来研究应该包括不同的人群，并扩展到吞咽困难和咀嚼功能障碍。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of oral rehabilitation 医学-牙科与口腔外科

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

10.30%

发文量

116

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： Journal of Oral Rehabilitation aims to be the most prestigious journal of dental research within all aspects of oral rehabilitation and applied oral physiology. It covers all diagnostic and clinical management aspects necessary to re-establish a subjective and objective harmonious oral function. Oral rehabilitation may become necessary as a result of developmental or acquired disturbances in the orofacial region, orofacial traumas, or a variety of dental and oral diseases (primarily dental caries and periodontal diseases) and orofacial pain conditions. As such, oral rehabilitation in the twenty-first century is a matter of skilful diagnosis and minimal, appropriate intervention, the nature of which is intimately linked to a profound knowledge of oral physiology, oral biology, and dental and oral pathology. The scientific content of the journal therefore strives to reflect the best of evidence-based clinical dentistry. Modern clinical management should be based on solid scientific evidence gathered about diagnostic procedures and the properties and efficacy of the chosen intervention (e.g. material science, biological, toxicological, pharmacological or psychological aspects). The content of the journal also reflects documentation of the possible side-effects of rehabilitation, and includes prognostic perspectives of the treatment modalities chosen.