Pilot Study on Auditory Rhythmic Cue Therapy to Reduce Tongue Rolling in Parkinsons Patients with Swallowing Disorders

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of rhythmic auditory cueing on the frequency of rolling, an involuntary tongue movement during swallowing, in patients with idiopathic Parkinsons disease who have swallowing difficulties. The study aims to see if introducing rhythmic sounds during rehabilitation can reduce rolling frequency and improve swallowing function, physical health, and quality of life. This pilot study focuses on patients with dysphagia related to Parkinsons disease and investigates the potential benefits of auditory rhythm in therapy. Participants will take part in swallowing rehabilitation sessions three times a week for seven weeks under the guidance of a speech therapist. During each session, they will swallow saliva and specially textured foods timed to a metronome rhythm, with the goal of matching the rhythm of healthy swallowing. The study includes three full assessments involving swallowing examinations and pharyngography conducted before starting the therapy, immediately after the 7-week program, and three months later. Throughout the study, participants will undergo clinical speech therapy evaluations and radiographic swallowing tests to measure the frequency of rolling and swallowing abilities at three time points before treatment, after treatment, and at a 3-month follow-up. Researchers will monitor changes in swallowing function and quality of life, with all sessions and assessments occurring at the hospital. The total participation spans several months, including the rehabilitation period and follow-up evaluation.

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