Expiratory Muscle Training and Trunk Flexion in Parkinson's Disease

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT06963918

General University Hospital, Prague30 enrolled

Overview

Postural abnormalities involving the trunk are prevalent in over 20% of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Pathological forward trunk flexion (FTF) is a drug-refractory complication in patients with PD leading to imbalance, pain and fall-related injuries. Deep abdominal muscle training is a key rehabilitation strategy for FTF, as muscles like the transversus abdominis and multifidus are crucial for lumbar stabilization. This training has been shown to improve body position and lumbar proprioception. Abdominal muscles are also responsible for forced expiration. Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) utilizing forced expiration through expiratory trainer has emerged as a beneficial intervention in the non-pharmacological management of PD, positively impacting clinical aspects such as dysphagia, dystussia, hypokinetic dysarthria, and drooling. EMG study showed large abdominal muscles activity, particularly the transversus abdominis and internus obliquus abdominis during EMST. Therefore, EMST might also be effective in improving lumbar stabilization. Given the established role of abdominal muscles in trunk stabilization, it is plausible that activation of deep abdominal muscles during EMST with the right level of resistance might improve FTF in PD patients. No studies have yet examined the effect of EMST on posture in PD. The primary aim of this study will be to evaluate the effect of EMST on forward trunk flexion in patients with Parkinson's disease. The secondary aim will be to assess the potential duration of the EMST effect on postural abnormalities and its impact on patient stability.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Interventions

Expiratory muscle strength trainingDEVICE

After the 4-week wait-to-start period during which they will not receive any intervention, will participants undergo a 4-week respiratory training program using the EMST150™ device (Expiratory Muscle Strength Trainer). EMST therapy sessions will be completed at home on 5 days (of the patients choosing) per week, performing five sets of five forceful exhalations through the EMST150™. The resistance of the device will be set to 75% of the patient's individual maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). The daily training will take approximately 15 minutes. Following the training period, patients will be observed for an additional 4 weeks to assess the sustainability of the potential training effects.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease * Age ≥ 18 years * MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) score ≥19 * Pathological forward trunk flexion defined as thoracic (≥25°) or lumbar (\>15°) flexion during standing and walking, which completely disappears in the supine position. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe dyskinesia or "on-off" fluctuations * Change in the PD medication in the last 3 months prior to enrollment * History of major spinal surgery or musculoskeletal spinal disorders * Need for assistive devices when rising from a chair or bed * Other neurological, orthopedic, or cardiovascular comorbidities that could affect postural control * Inadequate lip seal.

Locations (1)

General University Hospital

Prague, Czechia

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in the forward trunk flexion (FTF) angle

Forward trunk flexion will be assessed using standardized postural photographs. Images will be taken with a camera mounted on a tripod positioned 1 meter above the ground and 3 meters from the participant. The participant will stand in tight-fitting clothing at a predefined location in front of a white wall with a calibration pattern. All camera parameters will remain unchanged throughout the study. Photographs will be analyzed using a semi-automated method, and the extent of forward trunk flexion will be classified according to standardized guidelines for axial postural abnormalities in Parkinson's disease.

Time frame: Week 0, Week 8, Week 12

Secondary Outcomes

MDS-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale: Part II. and III.

This portion of the scale assesses the motor signs of Parkinson´s disease.The maximum total UPDRS score is 272, indicating the worst possible disability from Parkinson's Disease. The minimum total score is 0, indicating no disability from PD. Improvement greater than (-4.9) points or worsening more than (+4.2) points on MDS-UPDRS II+III represent a minimal clinically important difference.