Improving airway protection in people with Parkinson's Disease

Rehabilitation of Airway Protection in Parkinson's Disease: Comparing In-person and Telehealth Service Delivery Models

Phase 2 Interventional Teachers College, Columbia University · NCT05700825

This study is testing a new rehabilitation program to help people with Parkinson's Disease improve their swallowing and coughing skills, comparing in-person sessions to online ones.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages50 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorTeachers College, Columbia University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (West Lafayette, Indiana and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05700825 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of a novel rehabilitation approach for airway protection disorders in individuals with Parkinson's Disease (PD), specifically focusing on dysphagia and cough disorders. Participants will receive Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) and Cough Skill Training (CST) either in-person or via telehealth. The study aims to compare clinical outcomes and patient-centered results between these two delivery methods, addressing a significant gap in access to specialized care for this population. By evaluating treatment adherence and patient burden, the research seeks to enhance rehabilitation strategies for improving health outcomes in PD.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 50 to 90 diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and experiencing airway protective deficits.

Not a fit: Patients with other neurological disorders, a history of head and neck cancer, or significant breathing disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the quality of life and health outcomes for patients with Parkinson's Disease by enhancing their airway protection.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on telehealth delivery of these specific interventions, previous studies have shown promise in improving airway protection disorders in Parkinson's Disease.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Diagnosed with PD (Hoehn and Yahr Stages II-IV)126,127 confirmed by a Movement Disorders fellowship trained neurologist having reviewed the video recorded Movement Disorders Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) assessment for each participant and using strict UK brain bank criteria
* airway protective deficits as defined as a minimum of penetration of thin liquids (penetration-aspiration score\>3) as determined by instrumental swallowing assessment and/or dystussia as determined by voluntary cough assessment (PEFR ≤4.1 L/s)
* not actively receiving exercise-based swallowing therapy
* between the ages of 50 and 90.

Exclusion criteria:

* Other neurological disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain tumor, etc.)
* history of head and neck cancer
* history of breathing disorders or diseases (e.g., COPD)
* history of smoking in the last five years
* uncontrolled hypertension
* difficulty complying due to neuropsychological dysfunction (i.e., severe depression with \>28 on the Beck Depression Index (BDI-II), dementia with \<19 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA))
* allergy to capsaicin or barium
* further than 1.5 hours (door to door) distance from either Teachers College, Columbia University or Purdue University.

Where this trial is running

West Lafayette, Indiana and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Parkinson DiseaseDysphagia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.