Test–Retest Reliability of Swallowing Outcome Measures in Huntington's Disease

Background Dysphagia in Huntington's disease ( HD ) has been described using instrumentation. However, no research has evaluated reliability of swallowing measures in this population. Objectives This study evaluated the test–retest reliability of swallowing measures in HD . Methods Ten participants with HD and dysphagia were assessed at three intervals over 1 week. Functional measures of swallowing included the Timed Water Swallow Test ( TWST ) and Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids ( TOMASS ). Swallowing biomechanics were measured using manofluoroscopy and ultrasound. Results Nine participants completed all assessments. Results indicated good to excellent reliability ( ICC >0.75) in 5/7 parameters of functional assessments ( TWST / TOMASS ) and moderate to excellent reliability ( ICC >0.5) in 4/6 ultrasound measures. Manometric measures produced poor test–retest reliability ( ICC <0.5). Videofluoroscopy measures ranged from poor to moderate reliability ( ICC <0.5 to <0.75). Conclusions Swallowing measures showed mixed reliability in HD . This data can guide the selection and interpretation of outcomes in subsequent studies.