Effect of expiratory muscle strength training intervention on the maximum expiratory pressure and quality of life of patients with Parkinson disease.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 4-weeks expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on the maximum expiratory pressure (PEmax) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD).

METHODS

Thirteen outpatients diagnosed with PD participated in this study, and were assigned into either a 5DE training group (5DE group; n = 4; 75% PEmax for 5-d/wk), 3DE training group (3DE group; n = 5; 75% PEmax for 3-d/wk) and control group (3DC group; n = 4; 0% PEmax for 3-d/wk) by matching their Hoehn and Yahr scale, genders, and age. The PEmax and Parkinson disease questionnaire-39 item (PDQ-39) were evaluated pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

The posttest PEmax of the 5DE was significantly higher than that of the 3DC (P < 0.05). Moreover, 5DE and 3DE but not 3DC significantly increased PEmax after training. There were no differences in the overall quality of life in PD patients measured by PDQ-39 among three groups, but the 5DE group significantly improved the mobility constructs of PDQ-39 compared with 3DC (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both 5 d/wk and 3 d/wk of EMST effectively enhance respiratory muscle strength and improve mobility construct measured by PDQ-39 in patients with PD.