Assessing Swallowing and Mastication Using the Swallowing Proficiency for Eating and Drinking Protocol Among Healthy Adults.

Background: Objective evaluation of swallowing using single bolus consistency are popular among Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) but has limited generalization to other bolus consistencies. The Swallowing Proficiency for Eating and Drinking (SPEAD) test assesses the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing using three different consistencies.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to establish normative data for the SPEAD test among healthy individuals aged 20-79 years.