Rehabilitation for airway protection in Parkinson's patients: in-person vs. telehealth
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-11386426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests two airway-protection therapies for people with Parkinson's disease and compares outcomes when delivered face-to-face versus over telehealth.
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, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $601,117 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126319-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with Parkinson's disease who have airway-protection deficits or dysphagia/dystussia and are candidates for EMST and CST rehabilitation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without dysphagia or airway protection deficits or those unable to participate in telehealth or in-person sessions may not benefit.
What this research studies
People with Parkinson's often struggle with swallowing and coughing, which can lead to dangerous airway problems and pneumonia. This study investigates Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and Cough Skill Training (CST) delivered either in person or through telehealth to see which approach works best for improving airway protection and quality of life. Researchers will measure clinical outcomes and patient-centered factors to determine non-inferiority of telehealth compared to in-person care. The work aims to expand access to effective rehabilitation for PD patients, including those who cannot easily travel to clinics.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with PD could safely receive effective airway-protection therapy at home via telehealth, potentially reducing pneumonia risk and improving daily living.
How similar studies have gone: Early studies show EMST and CST can improve airway protection and may be feasible via telehealth, but direct non-inferiority compared to in-person delivery is not yet established.
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.