Reference values and decision points for swallowing test scans (VF) across adults
Official title: Establishing Reference Values and Clinical Decision Points for Quantitative Videofluoroscopic Measures of Swallowing
Funded at University Health Network · NIH-11399787 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to create reliable age-appropriate reference values for swallowing test scans to improve diagnosis for adults with swallowing problems.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $695,033 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG077481-13 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399787 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults of all ages, particularly those with or at risk for dysphagia, who can undergo videofluoroscopic swallowing studies.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy individuals who do not undergo VF testing or have no swallowing concerns may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This grant focuses on standardizing how doctors interpret videofluoroscopic swallowing studies by establishing clear reference values across the adult lifespan. The researchers will use the ASPEKT method to measure swallowing movements from VF scans and validate it in healthy adults of various ages, then test its applicability across common VF testing protocols. They will also compare swallowing patterns in people with dysphagia to identify points that help guide treatment decisions. The goal is to give clinicians concrete, age-adjusted benchmarks to better identify and manage swallowing impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, clinicians will have reliable, age-appropriate standards to interpret VF swallowing tests, leading to more accurate diagnoses and better-targeted treatments for dysphagia.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary research has developed the ASPEKT method and initial reference values, with further validation planned in this grant.
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
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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.