Visual feedback from the SpiroGym app for breathing training in Parkinson's
The Effect of Visual Feedback From the SpiroGym Mobile Application on Expiratory Muscle Strength Training Performance in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
This study will test whether real-time visual feedback from the SpiroGym app helps people with Parkinson's improve strength and performance during expiratory breathing exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | General University Hospital, Prague Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Prague and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06942533 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized crossover study has participants with Parkinson's disease complete two expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) sessions at 75% of their maximum expiratory pressure, with a two-week interval between sessions. One session uses the SpiroGym mobile app to provide real-time visual feedback and the other session is performed without the app, with the order randomized. Outcomes include muscle activation measured by surface electromyography (sEMG), noise intensity recorded by SpiroGym as a proxy for expiratory performance, and participant-reported perceived difficulty and motivation. The design tests whether immediate visual feedback changes physiological effort and subjective experience during EMST.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease who are on a stable dose of dopaminergic medication and who do not have major cognitive, psychiatric, or other neurological disorders are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with significant cognitive impairment, other neurological disorders, unstable dopaminergic treatment, or a history of head or neck cancer or surgery are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding SpiroGym's visual feedback could make breathing exercises more effective and motivating, potentially improving cough strength and airway protection for people with Parkinson's.
How similar studies have performed: Prior pilot EMST work, including with SpiroGym, has shown rapid improvements in cough-related measures, but the specific added benefit of real-time visual feedback remains unproven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Parkinsons disease * Stable dopaminergic medication (stable dose for at least 1 month) Exclusion Criteria: * Other neurological disorders * Significant cognitive impairment * Major psychiatric disorder * History of head or neck cancer or previous surgical interventions in the neck region. * Illness during the study period
Where this trial is running
Prague and 1 other locations
- General University Hospital — Prague, Czechia (Recruiting)
- Department of Neurology and Centre of Clinical Neuroscience First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague — Prague, Czechia (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Martin Srp, Ph.D.
- Email: martin.srp@vfn.cz
- Phone: +420224965513
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.