Supplementary Material for: Effect of a 48-Hour Thickened Liquid Protocol on Visuospatial Skills in Young Adults

Introduction: Thickened liquids are frequently recommended for individuals with swallowing disorders who are at risk of aspiration. However, thickened liquids may be poorly tolerated and result in reduced fluid intake, which may impact performance in a number of areas. The purpose of this study was to examine the possible impact of a thickened liquid regimen on visuospatial skills in young healthy adults.

Methods: Twenty young adults, ages 19-26 years, were included as participants. Baseline data consisting of urine specific gravity (USG) measurements as a marker of hydration status and completion of a visuospatial task were obtained prior to initiation of the experimental protocol. Participants in the experimental group followed a thickened liquid protocol, which consisted of drinking nectar-thick liquids for 48 hours. Data collection procedures were repeated.

Results: Participants in the experimental group exhibited significantly higher USG levels and required more time to complete the visuospatial task post-thickened liquids. No significant change in performance accuracy was found. Participants in the experimental group reported a decrease in fluid intake.

Conclusion: Performance accuracy on a visuospatial task was not significantly impacted by a 48-hour period of thickened liquid intake but time required to complete the task increased and was associated with mild dehydration as indicated by higher USG levels.

引言：增稠液体（thickened liquids）常被推荐给存在误吸（aspiration）风险的吞咽障碍人群。然而，增稠液体可能耐受性不佳，易导致液体摄入量减少，进而对多个领域的机体表现产生影响。本研究旨在探究48小时增稠液体摄入方案对年轻健康成年人视觉空间技能的潜在影响。

方法：招募20名年龄介于19至26岁的年轻成年人作为受试者。在实验方案启动前，采集受试者的基线数据，包括作为水合状态标志物的尿比重（urine specific gravity, USG）检测结果，以及视觉空间任务完成情况。实验组受试者遵循增稠液体干预方案，即连续48小时饮用花蜜状增稠液体，随后重复开展数据采集流程。

结果：实验组受试者在饮用增稠液体后，尿比重水平显著升高，且完成视觉空间任务的耗时更长；任务完成准确率未出现显著变化。此外，实验组受试者自述液体摄入量有所减少。

结论：连续48小时饮用增稠液体未对视觉空间任务的完成准确率产生显著影响，但任务完成耗时有所增加，且该现象与尿比重升高所提示的轻度脱水存在关联。