Biomechanical Effects of EMST® on Swallowing Function in Parkinson's Disease

Biomechanical Effects of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST®) on Swallowing Function in Parkinson's Disease - a Prospective High-resolution Manometry Study

The aim of this non-randomized intervention study is to investigate the detailed effects of a structured four-week EMST® training program on the biomechanics of swallowing function in dysphagic Parkinson's patients. A combination of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) and pharyngeal high-resolution manometry (HRM) will be employed to comprehensively evaluate the neuromuscular changes in swallowing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of Parkinson's disease,
• PD-related dysphagia as objectively diagnosed with FEES

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe dementia, not able to give consent
• dysphagia related to other diagnoses