Abstract
Assessment and training of suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscle strength（SIMS）, which are crucial for hyolaryngeal elevation, are essential in dysphagia rehabilitation for elderly patients. However, objective methods for assessing SIMS remain underdeveloped. We developed and reported a novel SIMS measurement method using a dedicated neck attachment and a handheld dynamometer and evaluated its reliability. This study retrospectively examined its application in clinical settings.
Patient data, including SIMS values and other swallowing-related metrics, were collected from medical records of elderly patients. The SIMS measurement showed a higher measurability rate compared to other methods. A positive correlation was observed between improved SIMS and functional oral intake scale（FOIS）scores. SIMS also correlated positively with cough peak flow（CPF）and tongue pressure.
These findings suggest that SIMS measurement is feasible for clinical application and relates to swallowing function, including oral muscle strength, respiratory function, and nutritional intake levels. The objective assessment of SIMS could serve as a new indicator in dysphagia rehabilitation, particularly for elderly patients.
