Actively Recruiting
Biomechanical Effects of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST4) on Swallowing Function in Parkinson's Disease Using High-Resolution Manometry
Led by University Hospital Muenster · Updated on 2026-06-03
30
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the effects of a structured four-week expiratory muscle strength training (EMST4) program on swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease who have difficulty swallowing (dysphagia). This non-randomized intervention aims to assess how EMST influences the biomechanics of swallowing using advanced techniques to measure neuromuscular changes. Participants will undergo daily EMST sessions consisting of 5 sets of 5 breaths, carried out 5 days a week for one month. The study uses devices to provide this training and evaluates swallowing function through fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) combined with pharyngeal high-resolution manometry (HRM) to gather detailed biomechanical data. Throughout the study, participants will be assessed at one month and three months to measure changes in swallowing biomechanics, including the pharyngeal contractile integral (PhcI), and to evaluate swallowing safety and efficiency using DIGEST-FEES scoring. The research team will monitor participants' progress with these objective measures to understand the impact of the EMST program on swallowing function over time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Biomechanical Effects of EMST® on Swallowing Function in Parkinson's Disease
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosis of Parkinson's disease
- Parkinson's disease-related swallowing difficulties confirmed by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)
- Age 18 years or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Severe dementia preventing the ability to give consent
- Swallowing difficulties caused by conditions other than Parkinson's disease
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 1 month
Participants perform expiratory muscle strength training with EMST, completing 5 sets of 5 breaths per day, 5 days a week for 1 month.
Weekly visits for 4 weeks
Duration - 2 months
Participants are monitored for changes in swallowing function after completing EMST treatment.
2 visits (at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital Münster, Department of Neurology
Münster, Germany, 48149
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
S
Sonja Suntrup-Krueger, Prof. Dr. med.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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