This study aimed to gather more information regarding two clinically relevant tests: The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST). Both tests can be used clinically as part of swallowing disorders evaluation.

The aims of the study were to assess the reliability of the two tests, to document the effects of age and gender on the outcome measures of the TOMASS and TWST and to explore the relationship between participants' function in the two tests. To do that, 298 healthy participants were included. All of them did not have dysphagia. Most of them were elderly.

Background: Quantitative measures of swallowing function can increase accuracy, reliability, and improve clinical decision making. The Test of Mastication and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and the Timed Water Swallow Test (TWST) are functional tests of swallowing that provide quantitative results.

Objectives: To explore the relationship between TOMASS and TWST; evaluate test-retest and interrater reliability; explore age and gender effects; and to gather normative data.

Methods: Healthy community dwelling participants (n = 298, ≥20 years old) were recruited. Of those, 126 were included in the reliability study. Participants completed the TWST and TOMASS.

Inclusion Criteria:

• all participants were eligible to participate if they were over 20 years of age, with no known medical history of dysphagia, had an SDQ score of less than 11, indicating no suspicion for dysphagia, were able to give a written informed consent, and could follow simple verbal instructions. In addition, all participants indicated that they do not avoid eating crackers due to swallowing disorders or allergies.

Exclusion Criteria:

• SDQ over 11 or medically reported dysphagia not eating crackers due to swallowing difficulty allergy to gluten

healthy subjects living in the community

there is no plan to make individual participant data (IPD) available to other researchers.