Swallowing Training in Parkinson's Disease

Dysphagia Therapy for Parkinson's Disease: the Role of the Oral Motor Exercises

Dysphagia in Parkinson's disease(PD) is common and its presence is related to motor and sensory abnormalities, and incoordination between swallowing and breathing. Despite harming as respiratory infections and increased risk of death, treatment of this condition remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the effect of oral motor exercises on the swallowing dynamics and quality of life of dysphagic Parkinson's disease patients. This study is an open trial, self-paired and blinded to the examiner. The participants will perform oropharyngeal exercises for five weeks and will be evaluated before and after intervention by swallowing videofluoroscopy and questionnaires about quality of life in dysphagia (SWAL-QOL).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of Parkinson disease
• Complaint of dysphagia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hoehn and Yahr stage 5
• Other neurological conditions
• Therapy for swallowing in the last 3 months
• Cognitive disorders
• Psychiatric disorders