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Exploring the Efficacy of the Effortful Swallow Maneuver for Improving Swallowing in People With PD
Sponsor: University of Alberta
Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether a 4-week effortful swallow exercise program helps adults with Parkinson disease who have swallowing problems. The effortful swallow is a swallowing exercise where a person swallows with extra effort. Researchers will compare adults who start the exercise program right away with adults who start the program after a 4-week waiting period. All participants who remain eligible will have the opportunity to receive the exercise program. Participants will have swallowing assessments, including video X-ray swallowing tests called videofluoroscopy. They will also complete questionnaires and take part in a remotely supervised swallowing exercise program with a speech-language pathologist. Participants who remain eligible and take part in the exercise program will use a tongue pressure device during practice. The main study period lasts about 10 weeks. Participants will also complete brief follow-up questionnaires at 6 months and 12 months.
Official title: EFFORT-PD: Exploring the Efficacy of the Effortful Swallow Maneuver for Improving Swallowing in People With Parkinson Disease
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
74
Start Date
2027-01-01
Completion Date
2030-08-31
Last Updated
2026-08-19
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Effortful swallow
A 4-week remotely supervised swallowing exercise program delivered by a speech-language pathologist. Participants will practise effortful swallows at home using saliva and mildly thick liquids, according to study instructions. Participants will use a tongue pressure device during practice to support measurement and feedback. Participants may also complete home practice logs.