Objective: The study was performed to investigate whether head elevation assessment can be used as a simple index of feeding and swallowing function in patients with dysphagia.

Subjects and Methods: Of patients who underwent VF or VE between January 2020 and August 2022, tongue pressure was measurable in 41 patients. The genio-sternum distance grade (GS grade) was used to evaluate head lifting strength and the patients were divided into groups with good function (GS grade 4) (n = 23) and decreased function (GS grade <4) (n = 18). All 41 patients underwent swallowing angiography or swallowing endoscopy. Maximum tongue pressure, Clinical Dysphagia Severity Scale (DSS), Mini Nutritional Assessment Short-Form (MNA-SF), and Barthel Index (BI) were also measured.

Results: There was a risk for undernutrition in 98% of the patients. The good function group had significantly higher maximum tongue pressure (p = 0.007) and BI (p = 0.0136) compared to the decreased function group. There was no significant difference in DSS, but the aspiration and malnutrition rates were higher in the decreased function group, with 72% of the patients having DSS ≤4 (with aspiration).

Conclusion: The results suggest that head elevation assessment can serve as a simple indicator of feeding and swallowing function when tongue pressure is difficult to measure.