A Psychometric Evaluation of Maximum Phonation Time and S/Z Ratio as Pragmatic Outcome Measures of Bulbar Function in Adults With Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction/aims

A pragmatic evaluation of bulbar function among adults with spinal muscular atrophy (awSMA) is needed, requiring the validation of a low-cost, feasible outcome measure (OM). Maximum phonation time (MPT) and S/Z ratio (S/Z) are potential low-cost OMs for bulbar function. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of MPT and S/Z among awSMA.

Methods

This single-site prospective observational study followed awSMA over 12 months. Each participant completed MPT, S/Z, and a battery of routinely used OMs at baseline and 12 months. The psychometric properties of intra-rater reliability (IRR), test-retest reliability (TRT), concurrent validity (CV), predictive validity (PV), and sensitivity to change were evaluated.

Results

Fifteen awSMA complet

SUBMITTER: Slayter J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12803609 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature