Subject progression through the study algorithm. We enrolled consecutive patients who presented to our speech and swallow therapists for evaluation of readiness for oral food intake. After screening these patients for inclusion criteria, and obtaining their approval, dysphagia potential was assessed by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES), and graded using validated rating scales. *Muscle strength was measured by an investigator blinded to FEES results within 24 h of FEES. A chart review was then performed following subjects’ hospital discharge to identify signs and symptoms of symptomatic aspiration in the 3 months after FEES. MRC = medical research council scale; PAS = Penetration Aspiration Scale; VPSR = valleculae and pyriform sinus residue scale.