The Effects of Whole-Body Exercise on Swallowing Function in Older Adults With Parkinson's Disease: A Proof-of-Principle Study

Findings from this pilot study suggest potential signal for a higher intensity whole-body exercise program to improve self-reported swallowing function, given that heart rate and/or exertion intensity that met or exceeded the target was associated with positive changes in self-reported swallowing function, but not tongue or cough strength. Future research including a larger sample size and intervention controls is needed to further elucidate a relationship between whole-body exercise and swallowing.