Abstract
Objective: To test the efficacy of at-home breathing exercises for the elderly using a party horn.
Methods: Maximum phonation time, swallowing speed, and maximum voluntary tongue pressure were recorded before and after the 6-month exercise period in 53 medically stable elderly subjects.
Results: Maximum phonation time, swallowing speed, and maximum voluntary tongue pressure significantly improved in 26 (49.0%) participants who continued the exercise throughout the study period, while swallowing speed significantly decreased in those who did not continue the exercise (n = 21).
Conclusion: Blowing into a party horn is feasible for the elderly and may maintain their respiration and swallowing.