Respiratory muscle resistance training in improving speech of Parkinson’s patients

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on the population of Parkinson’s disease (PD) in improving speech production. Twenty PD participants completed four weeks of training using a calibrated, one-way, spring-loaded valve EMST device. By comparing their (1) maximum phonation time, (2) sound pressure level during passage reading, (3) perceptual rating of loudness during passage reading, and (4) change in quality of life before and after training, the potential effect of EMST was revealed. Statistically significant improvements were found in vocal function, subjective and instrumental measures of vocal loudness and voice-related quality of life measures following EMST. The findings have significant implications on the development of speech production treatment on individuals with PD. Augmentation of EMST training to the routine PD therapeutic regimen may yield more positive outcomes in speech production.