Parkinson’s Disease changes the trajectory of mobility and coordination for those who suffer from this and other similar neurological conditions. This disease causes chemical changes in the brain then body begins to slow down. Individuals experience stiffness and incoordination of limbs, trouble walking, plus voice and speech impairments. Thankfully, there are treatments for Parkinson’s, supported by research and proven effective.  These programs “reset” the body’s natural movements and functioning that allow the participant to gain back coordination, communicate effectively, and stay safe as they navigate their daily activities.  

LSVT BIG is an intensive, large amplitude focused physical and occupational therapy approach, developed from principles of the effective Parkinson’s specific speech treatment LSVT LOUD. The LSVT Programs have been developed and scientifically researched over the past 25 years with funding from the National Institutes of Health. Research shows that after LSVT BIG treatments, people with Parkinson’s Disease showed improvement on motor function testing. 

Improvements with LSVT

• Faster walking with bigger steps         
• Improved balance   
• Increased trunk rotation 
• Improvements in activities of daily living such as bed mobility  
• Improved Motor Score 
• Improved vocal loudness
• Increased pitch variation  
• Better articulation 
• Improved swallowing abilities  
• Improved facial expressions  

LSVT Treatment:

• 16 sessions: 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks 
• Individual 1-hour sessions 
• Daily homework practice 
• Daily carryover exercises 

How can Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy help? It is essential that LSVT treatments are only delivered by physical or occupational therapist or a speech-language pathologist who is certified in this method. LSVT is a standardized treatment protocol, customized to the unique goals of each patient including both gross and fine motor skills. LSVT programs can be adapted or progressed to meet each patient’s needs across a wide range of disease severity and presenting impairments.