Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40751301›Full record

ArticleJournal of oral rehabilitation2025

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

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

Abstract readEvaluation Study
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of oral rehabilitation, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 3 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
3citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

3 citing papers in PubMed.

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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Amika SugitaDepartment of Oral Health Sciences for Community Welfare, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
Risako MikamiDepartment of Advanced Biomaterials, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1398-0450
Johanna AndersonRISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden.
Mats StadingRISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Borås, Sweden.
Dushyantha JayatilakeInstitute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
Kenji SuzukiInstitute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan.
Koichiro MatsuoDepartment of Oral Health Sciences for Community Welfare, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Funding

Japan Science and Technology Agency
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe 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.

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

methodsA 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.

resultsThe 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.

conclusionThe 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.

Indexed as

DeglutitionMasticationMonitoring, PhysiologicStethoscopesWearable Electronic DevicesAdultAgedAge FactorsDeep LearningDeglutition DisordersFemaleHealthy VolunteersHumansMaleMiddle AgedNeckeatingmasticationneck‐worn electric stethoscopescreeningswallowing

Identifiers

PMID40751301
PMCPMC12624163

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.