Multimodal Non-invasive Examination of Swallowing Kinematics Using Simultaneous Ultrasonography and Digital Cervical Auscultation: An Exploratory Study: ESSD 2023 -- 13th Annual Congress, Toulouse, France

Ultrasonography (US) and digital cervical auscultation (DCA) are two promising non-invasive swallowing assessment modalities. Previous studies have shown that US permits the visualization and hence the estimation of the sequencing and spatial-temporal properties of swallowing movements (e.g. hyoid bone displacement). Similarly, there has also been supporting evidence for the use of DCA, which employs microphones and/or accelerometers, for examining the temporal and acoustic properties of swallowing physiology. While each of these modalities bears its own limitations, drawing on their synergy for swallowing assessment may seem methodologically and clinically plausible. In light of this, the present study aimed to explore the correlation between (spatio-)temporal variables extracted from DCA and US swallowing examinations. US and DCA are two complementary non-invasive modalities for swallowing assessment. Their synergy might potentially provide detailed quantitative information about swallowing kinematics, hence reference values for assessments. Findings from the existing study preliminarily suggest the feasibility of the multimodal, concurrent use of US and DCA for clinical beside examination. Future research is warranted to establish the validity and reliability for utilizing such multimodal non-invasive paradigm for swallowing assessment.