Two mastication tests used in children with Down Syndrome: a feasibility study.

Abstract

Background: Children with Down Syndrome (DS) can have problems with chewing and swallowing. However, no objective tests are available which give information about the function and endurance of mastication. In this study, the feasibility of two mastication tests is measured.

Research questions (RQ): Are the Test of Mastication and Swallowing of Solids-Children (TOMASS-C) and the 6-Minute Mastication Test (6MMT) feasible to use in children with DS? Do these tests give information about the function (efficiency) and mastication endurance in these children?

Method: A total of 24 (4 – 18 years) children with DS participated. The collected variables in the TOMASS-C were masticatory time (MT), number of bites (NB), masticatory cycles (MC) and number of swallow acts (NSA). The interrater correlation coefficient (ICC) of NB, MC and NSA were calculated to measure the reliability. Collected variables in the 6MMT were total masticatory cycles (TMC) and percentage difference between minute 1 and 6 (DMC). Furthermore, qualitative ratings of masticatory movements were made. Participants completed a visual analogue scale. In both tests, a comparison to a typically developing (TD) group was made. The variables were generated through video recordings during both tests.

Results: TOMASS-C: a total of 83.3% completed the test. 6MMT: a total of 87.5% completed the test.

Conclusion: Both tests are feasible for children with DS. Both tests give information about the function and endurance during mastication in children with DS. Children with DS do not have problems in endurance during mastication. Their problems in eating are caused by an ineffective way of mastication.

Recommendations: The speech- and language therapist (SLT) needs to be extra prepared to complete both tests in children with DS.