Mechanisms of Air-pulse Pharyngeal Sensory Stimulation Regulation Post-stroke Swallowing Neural Network Remodeling Via TRPV4 Channel

The Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) is a 7-point ordinal scale used to assess the functional level of oral food and liquid intake. Scores range from 1 (nothing by mouth) to 7 (total oral diet with no restrictions). Higher scores indicate better funct

The Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) is an 8-point ordinal scale used to assess the severity of airway invasion during swallowing. Scores range from 1 to 8, with a score of 1 indicating that material does not enter the airway and a score of 8 indicating that material passes below the vocal folds with no attempt to eject it. Higher scores indicate greater severity of penetration or aspiration.

The Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale (DOSS) is a 7-point ordinal scale used to assess the functional severity of dysphagia and the level of dietary restriction and assistance required. Scores range from 1 to 7, with a score of 1 indicating severe dysphagia with inability to safely tolerate oral intake and a score of 7 indicating normal swallowing with a regular diet and no need for compensatory strategies or additional time. Higher scores indicate better swallowing function and lower severity of dysphagia.

Oral Transit Time (OTT) will be measured from videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) recordings and expressed in seconds (s). OTT is defined as the time interval from the initiation of posterior oral bolus propulsion until the leading edge of the bolus reaches the ramus of the mandible. Measurements will be obtained using predefined bolus consistencies and volumes.

Upper Esophageal Sphincter Opening (UO) will be measured from videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) recordings and expressed in millimeters (mm). UO is defined as the maximum opening diameter of the upper esophageal sphincter during bolus passage, measured on the lateral VFSS image at the point of maximal opening.

Hyoid Superior Movement (HSM) will be measured from videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) recordings and expressed in millimeters (mm). HSM represents the maximum superior displacement of the hyoid bone from its resting position during swallowing.

Hyoid Anterior Movement (HAM) will be measured from videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) recordings and expressed in millimeters (mm). HAM represents the maximum anterior displacement of the hyoid bone from its resting position during swallowing.

Laryngeal Closure Duration (LCD) will be measured from videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) recordings and expressed in seconds (s). LCD is defined as the time interval from complete closure of the laryngeal vestibule to subsequent reopening of the laryngeal vestibule during swallowing. Measurements will be obtained using predefined bolus consistencies and volumes.

Pharyngeal Transit Time (PTT) will be measured from videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) recordings and expressed in seconds (s). PTT is defined as the time interval from the leading edge of the bolus passing the ramus of the mandible until the trailing edge of the bolus passes through the upper esophageal sphincter. A shorter PTT indicates faster pharyngeal bolus transport.