Effect of Combined Respiratory Muscle Strengthening Exercise on Dysphagia in Parkinson’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Author:
In Joo KONG
1
;
Myung Jun LEE
;
Jong-Hwa JEONG
;
Jin A YOON
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From: Journal of the Korean Dysphagia Society 2025;15(2):144-153
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:This study examined the comparative effects of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) and combined respiratory muscle strength training (RMST) on the swallowing function and quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Methods:Thirty-two participants were assigned randomly to the EMST or RMST groups and completed a six-week training protocol. Both groups showed significant improvements in the penetration aspiration scale (PAS), post-swallow vallecular residue, and the total Korean swallowing-quality of life questionnaire (K-SWAL-QOL) scores (P＜0.05).
Results:The EMST group showed greater gains in the peak cough flow and meal-related satisfaction, whereas the RMST group showed reduced saliva frequency and improved pharyngeal residue clearance. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations indicating a linkage between the improvement of respiratory and swallowing function.
Conclusion:Despite the lower intensity of the flow-dependent RMST device, the swallowing outcomes were comparable to those of the high-intensity EMST group, suggesting that combined inspiratory-expiratory training may provide similar benefits with a lower physiological demand. These findings support RMST as a feasible and clinically meaningful intervention for dysphagia management in Parkinson’s disease, in addition to EMST.
