Improving airway protection in people with Parkinson's Disease

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• Teachers College, Columbia University
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting
• Purdue University
  West Lafayette, Indiana, United States Active not recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Michelle Troche, PhD — Teachers College, Columbia University
• Study coordinator: Michelle Troche, PhD
• Email: uadlab@tc.columbia.edu
• Phone: 212-678-3072

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.