Effect of Forward Trunk Flexion in Patients With Parkinson's Disease on the Airway Defense System

Status: Recruiting
Study Type: Observational
SUMMARY

The main mechanisms of airway protection include a properly functioning swallowing process and a cough. Studies focusing on patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) have previously demonstrated impairments in both swallowing (dysphagia) and coughing (dystussia). Aspiration pneumonia is the leading cause of death in individuals with PD. Swallowing function is directly related to body posture. Postural abnormalities (PA) are a common symptom of PD and significantly contribute to patient disability, affect respiratory function, and reduce quality of life. Previous research has shown that more than 20% of PD patients suffer from some form of PA. Most PD patients with a forward trunk flexion angle greater than 30 degrees report specific difficulties, such as dysphagia. A link has previously been demonstrated between postural abnormalities associated with flexed posture and restrictive ventilatory impairment. It can be assumed that this restrictive ventilatory impairment, which reduces the amount of air the patient can inhale into the lungs and subsequently exhale, negatively affects the strength of voluntary cough. However, this hypothesis has not yet been verified in the mentioned patient group. The primary aim of the study will be to examine the effect of forward trunk flexion (FTF) in Parkinson's disease on the airway defense system.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• Diagnosis of Parkinson' s disease

• Age ≥ 18 years

Contact Information
Primary
Kateřina Dvořáková, MSc.
katerina.dvorakova@vfn.cz
+420 224 965 513
Backup
Martin Srp, PhD.
+420224965513
Time Frame
Start Date: 2025-02-18
Estimated Completion Date: 2029-02
Participants
Target number of participants: 100
Treatments
Patients with Parkinson's disease
Participants of both groups will attend a total of five visits. During each visit, the participants will undergo a complete assessment including respiratory muscle strength, cough strength, dynamic spirometry, grip strength via a digital hand dynamometer, and evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction using the Index of Pulmonary Dysfunction (IPD) questionnaire. Each examination will last approximately 20 minutes, with no specific training or additional procedures required between visits.
Patients with Parkinson's disease and forward trunk flexion
Patients with pathological forward trunk flexion defined as thoracic (≥25°) or lumbar flexion (\>15°) in standing and walking, which completely disappears in the supine position.~Participants of both groups will attend a total of five visits. During each visit, the participants will undergo a complete assessment including respiratory muscle strength, cough strength, dynamic spirometry, grip strength via a digital hand dynamometer, and evaluation of pulmonary dysfunction using the Index of Pulmonary Dysfunction (IPD) questionnaire. Each examination will last approximately 20 minutes, with no specific training or additional procedures required between visits.
Sponsors
Leads: General University Hospital, Prague

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov