The repeatability and variability of electrical impedance tomography indices of pharyngeal transit time in normal adults

Abstract

Two electrical impedance tomography (EIT) indices of pharyngeal transit time have been repeatedly measured in 20 normal adults. The time course of change in pharyngeal conductivity whilst swallowing 5, 10 and 20 ml boluses was expressed either as a full width at 20% maximum (FW20) or as a full width at 50% maximum (FW50): the latter could be satisfactorily measured more frequently. Mean coefficients of variation for FW20 and FW50 tended to decrease with increasing bolus volume but this was statistically significant only for FW50 in men. FW20 and FW50 were significantly shorter in men than women and increased with increasing age. FW50 was significantly smaller when larger bolus volumes were swallowed. FW50 was significantly shorter when low-conductivity fluid was used and there was an insignificant trend for it to be longer with electrodes in the highest position. The amplitude of the conductivity change recorded was significantly affected by all factors studied apart from age. If EIT is to be used as a technique for monitoring changes in pharyngeal transit time in patients with neurogenic dysphagia repeat examinations should be performed under the same conditions and, if possible, large bolus volumes should be used.