What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the effect of the SpiroGym app on voluntary cough strength in people with Parkinson's disease. This study follows a previous pilot that showed the app helped improve expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and voluntary peak cough flow (PCF) after two weeks. The trial aims to compare the impact of EMST with visual feedback from the SpiroGym app to EMST alone, hypothesizing greater improvements in cough strength for those using the app. The study is designed as a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants will use an expiratory muscle trainer device (EMST150) at home to perform intensive EMST. One group will train with the SpiroGym app providing visual feedback, while the other group will train without the app. Training occurs five days per week for eight weeks during an intensive phase, with five sets of five forceful expirations per session. Following this, both groups continue maintenance training for 16 weeks at least two days per week, also at home. During the study, voluntary peak cough flow will be measured before baseline, at baseline, and after 8 and 24 weeks of training to evaluate changes. Participants will be monitored for adherence and the effectiveness of training. The total participation duration spans 24 weeks, including the intensive and maintenance phases. Safety and outcomes will be carefully assessed throughout the trial.

SpiroGym App-Aided Cough Rehabilitation