Normal ranges and clinical cutoffs for X-ray swallowing tests (videofluoroscopy)
Official title: Establishing Reference Values and Clinical Decision Points for Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Measures of Swallowing
Funded at University Health Network · NIH-11135469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project defines normal swallowing measurements from X-ray swallowing tests across adult ages so clinicians can more clearly identify swallowing problems in people such as those with ALS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University Health Network NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toronto, Canada) |
| Project start | August 1, 2010 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $821,298 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077481-12 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older with swallowing problems (for example from ALS or aging) and healthy adults willing to undergo a videofluoroscopy exam are the likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Children under 21, people who cannot safely undergo X-ray imaging, and individuals whose symptoms are unrelated to swallowing are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project collects X-ray video recordings of people swallowing across the adult age span and measures specific swallowing events using a standardized method called ASPEKT. The team will expand earlier reference data from younger adults to include healthy older adults and compare those norms with people who have swallowing problems like ALS. They will test the ASPEKT measurements across commonly used clinical videofluoroscopy protocols to make the method scalable and consistent. Researchers aim to identify clinical decision points that tell clinicians when swallowing is unsafe or impaired.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help clinicians more reliably diagnose and manage swallowing problems, reducing risks such as choking, malnutrition, and pneumonia.
How similar studies have gone: The team published initial ASPEKT reference values from younger adults, showing promise, but validating these norms across the full adult lifespan and in clinical groups is a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
-
University Health Network
Toronto, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Steele, Catriona Margaret — University Health Network
- Study coordinator: Steele, Catriona Margaret
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.