Using rhythmic sounds to improve swallowing in Parkinson's patients

The Effect of an Auditory Rhythmic Cue on the Frequency of Rolling in Patients with Dysphagia and Parkinson's Disease: a Pilot Study

NA · Hopital La Musse · NCT06695455

This study is testing if using rhythmic sounds can help people with Parkinson's disease swallow better and reduce problems they have while eating.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHopital La Musse (other)
Locations1 site (Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, Normandy)
Trial IDNCT06695455 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical study aims to evaluate the impact of rhythmic auditory cueing on the frequency of rolling in patients with dysphagia related to Parkinson's disease. Participants will undergo three weekly rehabilitation sessions over seven weeks, during which their swallowing will be assessed using pharyngography before, after, and three months post-intervention. The study focuses on the oral phase of swallowing to determine if rhythmic cues can effectively reduce the frequency of rolling, a common issue in these patients. The research seeks to address the significant quality of life challenges posed by dysphagia in Parkinson's patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who exhibit swallowing disorders, specifically rolling.

Not a fit: Patients with severe pharyngeal dysphagia or significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve swallowing function and quality of life for patients with Parkinson's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using rhythmic auditory cueing for movement disorders, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease established by a neurologist using a DAT SCAN and clinical examination;
* Presence of a swallowing disorder, specifically rolling;
* Patient affiliated with the social security system;
* Patient aged 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe pharyngeal dysphagia (leading to aspiration with nectar and pudding textures);
* Severe cognitive impairment (score \<24 on the Mini Mental Parkinson test);
* Known deafness/profound hearing loss;
* Patients under legal protection measures;
* History of reconstructive ENT surgery at the oropharyngeal level;
* Neurological history that could cause a swallowing disorder (e.g., stroke);
* Patient with a gastrostomy and no oral feeding;
* Ongoing speech therapy for swallowing;
* The patient is included in another research protocol;
* Pregnant women or women suspected of being pregnant;

Where this trial is running

Saint-Sébastien-de-Morsent, Normandy

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Oral Festination, Lingual Pumping, Dysphagia, Swallowing Disorder, PARKINSON DISEASE, oral festination, lingual pumping, dysphagia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.