Exploring the Efficacy of the Effortful Swallow Maneuver for Improving Swallowing in People With PD

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.