Feasibility of expiratory muscle strength training in individuals with progressive supranuclear palsy.

INTRODUCTION

Dysphagia is common among individuals with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) is a treatment used to increase expiratory muscle force production for airway protection deficits. To our knowledge, no studies have tested EMST in this population. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of EMST in individuals with PSP.

METHODS

Twenty-nine participants completed baseline measures of maximum expiratory pressure and underwent a trial session of EMST. EMST was considered feasible if participants were able to complete at least 10 repetitions at 30% of their maximum expiratory pressure. Qualitative analyses were also completed to investigate types and frequency of clinician support.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven participants (93%) successfully met the criteria for feasibility of EMST. Qualitative analysis revealed 20 individuals required clinician support with most requiring more than one type of assistance.

CONCLUSIONS

EMST appears to be feasible for most people with PSP though additional clinician support is often required.