Breath Support and Control for Speech in Parkinson’s Disease
by Bonnie Slavych, Speech Language Pathologist
Breathing isn’t just about sustaining life; it also plays an important role in how we speak. For individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD), maintaining breath support and control can significantly enhance speech clarity and loudness. This blog will guide both individuals with PD and their caregivers through practical exercises for improving speech breathing, along with advice on integrating these practices into daily routines.
Understanding Breath Support and Control
Breath support refers to how well you use your diaphragm and other respiratory muscles to control airflow during speech. Proper breath support is essential for speaking loudly and clearly. Breath control, on the other hand, is about managing the flow of air as you speak, which helps maintain steady speech volume and prevents rapid vocal fatigue.
Daily Practice Schedule
Consistency is key to improving breath support and control. Choose a specific time each day for practice, ideally when you are most energetic and free from distractions. This could be in the morning after breakfast or in the afternoon before a snack. The goal is to make these exercises a regular part of your daily routine, which will help turn them into a habit.
Exercises to Enhance Breath Support and Control
Here are some simple exercises designed to strengthen your breathing muscles and improve control:
Deep Breathing: Sit or stand with your back straight. Breathe in slowly through your nose, ensuring your stomach expands, not just your chest. Exhale slowly through your mouth, trying to keep the breath steady and controlled. Repeat this process for 3-5 minutes. Tip: Sit or stand in front of a mirror to ensure proper posture.
The Sustained “Ah”: After taking a deep breath, sustain the sound “ah” for as long as you can while keeping the volume and pitch consistent. This exercise helps build lung capacity and control over breath support. Tip: Time yourself and try to maintain the longest time in subsequent productions. Be sure to stop the sound as soon as it starts to sound like it is being forced.
Breath Stacking: Inhale slowly and hold your breath for a second, then inhale a bit more and hold again. Continue this until you cannot take in more air. Hold for a moment, then exhale slowly. This helps increase lung volume and control.
Sniffing Exercises: Perform short, quick sniffs in through the nose, followed by a long exhale through the mouth. This helps strengthen diaphragm control and increases your ability to start phrases strongly in conversation.
The Role of Speech-Language Pathologists
Not all SLPs have specialized training in managing PD-related communication issues. It’s crucial to find an SLP
who is knowledgeable about the unique challenges of PD. An experienced SLP can provide personalized exercises and monitor your progress, adjusting strategies as needed to ensure the best outcomes.
Tips for Caregivers
Caregivers can play a supportive role by:
Encouraging Daily Practice: Remind your loved one of the importance of daily practice and help keep track of progress.
Participating in Exercises: Engage in the exercises together to make practice sessions more enjoyable and to provide motivation.
Observing Changes: Keep an eye on improvements or difficulties in breath control during everyday conversations and discuss these observations with the SLP.
Conclusion
Improving breath support and control can significantly enhance the clarity and strength of speech for individuals with PD. By incorporating these exercises into daily routines and consulting with a specialized SLP, individuals with PD can maintain more effective communication. Remember, regular practice and professional guidance are key to making the most of your speech therapy journey.