Objective: Objective:  To analyze the cross-system impact of an intensive voice treatment (LSVT LOUD®) on the swallowing impairments associated with Parkinson disease (PD).

Background: Background:  Voice and swallowing disorders are both observed in the vast majority of patients with PD. Treatments for PD-related swallowing impairments are extremely limited.  In this study, we sought to determine if voice treatment could take advantage of common control elements and anatomic structures between voice and swallowing to improve swallowing function in patients with PD.

Methods: Methods:  Videofluoroscopic assessments of swallowing pre- to post-LSVT were made from 15 idiopathic PD patients (Hoehn and Yahr Stage Mean 2, range 1-3 and age Mean 67, range 49-85) using the Modified Barium Swallowing Impairment Profile^© (MBSImP™).  The MBSImP is a standardized assessment of swallowing physiology that provides degree of impairment of 17 key aspects of swallowing function. 

Results: Results:  The swallowing components showing the greatest degree of change pre- to post-LSVT were (C3 Bolus Preparation, C4 Bolus Transport, C5 Oral Residue, and C6 Initiation of Pharyngeal Swallow). These changes relate to swallowing movements involving extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the tongue.  This is despite the fact that tongue control and coordination were not the primary targets of intervention.

Conclusions: Conclusions:  Our preliminary findings suggest that intensive voice treatment may improve not only speech, but also swallowing impairments associated with PD through distributed effects on common control mechanisms and physiological processes.

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MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/the-impact-of-intensive-voice-treatment-on-swallowing-in-parkinson-disease/