Examining Associations Between Manometric Measures of Lingual Function and Swallowing Physiology Using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile.

Purpose: Manometric measures of lingual function are widely used in clinical practice, premised on the assumption that lingual impairments affect oropharyngeal swallowing. This study assessed correlations between measures of lingual function and oropharyngeal swallowing impairments using the Modified Barium Swallow Impairment Profile (MBSImP).

Method: Participants undergoing routine videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) were recruited if able and willing to complete the lingual measurement protocol. Post-VFSS, participants completed the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and measures of lingual pressure during saliva swallow, anterior maximum isometric press (aMIP), effortful swallow, anterior isometric endurance (ISO-M), and anterior isotonic endurance. Correlations between these measures and MBSImP Oral Total (OT) and Pharyngeal Total (PT) Overall Impression scores and Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores were evaluated using Spearman correlation coefficients.

Results: The final sample included 41 patients (23 men, 18 women; = 61.75 ± 14.72 years) with heterogenous diagnoses. Analyses showed a moderate, significant negative correlation between aMIP and OT ( = -.44, < .01), and ISO-M and OT ( = -.36, = .02). Specifically, aMIP was strongly correlated with oral residue (Component 5; = -.49, < .01) and ISO-M with tongue control during bolus hold (Component 2; = -.47, < .01). No significant correlations were found with PT, EAT-10, or PAS scores.

Conclusions: Some lingual measurements correlate with oral physiological impairments, suggesting potential utility as clinical indicators of oral swallowing physiology. Further research is needed to explore these relationships across different patient populations.