DDK Acoustic Analysis and Swallowing Indicators

Acoustic Analysis of Performance in Diadochokinetic (DDK) Tasks and Swallowing Function Indicators Among Adults Across Different Age Groups

This study examines whether simple speech tasks and a swallowing screening test can help identify swallowing risk in adults of different ages. Participants will complete basic questions, a swallowing self-assessment, a saliva swallowing test, and short voice recordings of rapid syllables. The study is non-invasive, takes about 75 minutes, and may help develop an easy, low-cost screening tool for early swallowing problems.

This is a cross-sectional observational study examining the relationship between diadochokinetic (DDK) speech performance and swallowing function in community-dwelling adults aged 18 years and older. Participants will complete a single study visit, during which demographic and health-related information will be collected, the EAT-10 swallowing self-assessment will be administered, the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST) will be performed, and short DDK speech recordings of /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/ will be obtained in a quiet setting. Acoustic features will be extracted from the recordings and analyzed together with RSST and EAT-10 results to explore age-related differences and to develop a predictive screening model for swallowing risk. All data will be de-identified, securely stored, and retained according to study requirements.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 1.Community-dwelling adults aged 18 years or older, with no upper age limit.
• 2.Ability to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese and understand the study procedures.
• 3.Willingness to provide written informed consent.
• 4 .Ability to complete the DDK tasks and RSST.

Exclusion Criteria:

• 1.Presence of acute respiratory infection, upper respiratory inflammation, or other acute conditions that may significantly affect speech or swallowing.
• 2.Impaired consciousness, significant cognitive deficits, or inability to understand the study procedures.
• 3.Recent surgery or radiotherapy involving the oral cavity or pharynx that affects speech or swallowing.
• 4.Severe hearing impairment that prevents understanding of instructions.
• 5.Any other condition deemed unsuitable for participation by the investigators.