Improving airway protection for people with Parkinson's disease through in-person and telehealth methods
Official title: Rehabilitation of Airway Protection in Parkinson's Disease: Comparing In-Person and Telehealth Service Delivery Models
Funded at Columbia University Teachers College · NIH-11123644 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well two different breathing exercises, done either in person or online, can help people with Parkinson's disease improve their swallowing and coughing to prevent lung infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Teachers College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $143,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R01NS126319-03S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123644 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who experience swallowing or coughing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Parkinson's disease who do not have airway protection issues or those who are unable to participate in rehabilitation programs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how effective rehabilitation techniques for airway protection, specifically Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and Cough Skill Training (CST), can be delivered either in-person or via telehealth for individuals with Parkinson's disease. The study aims to determine if the outcomes of these treatments are similar regardless of the delivery method, addressing a significant gap in current healthcare practices. By focusing on the accessibility of these services, the research also examines how patient burden affects adherence to treatment and overall health outcomes. Participants will be monitored for improvements in swallowing and coughing abilities, which are crucial for preventing aspiration pneumonia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with Parkinson's disease greater access to effective airway protection therapies, potentially reducing the risk of aspiration pneumonia and improving quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that telehealth delivery of rehabilitation services can be effective, but this specific comparison of in-person versus telehealth for airway protection in Parkinson's disease is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Teachers College
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Troche, Michelle S — Columbia University Teachers College
- Study coordinator: Troche, Michelle S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.