LSVT BIG and LOUD Program for Parkinson’s Disease

LSVT® BIG

The Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG is an intensive treatment for Parkinson's disease patients and for other neurological conditions that incorporates exercise to promote strength and motor learning. Patients work with an LSVT-certified occupational or physical therapist, learning how to avoid inactivity and improving:

• Walking speed and size of steps
• Balance
• Torso rotation
• Performance of activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Confidence and quality of life

Podcast: LSVT BIG Therapy Program

Dr. Bobbie Roberts, PT, DPT, physical therapist at Palmdale Regional Medical Center, discusses the LSVT BIG Therapy program and how it can help Parkinson's patients.

LSVT LOUD

LSVT LOUD is the first speech treatment with level 1 evidence and established efficacy for treating voice and speech disorders in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with application to other neurological disorders.

Research on LSVT LOUD has documented improved impact on multiple levels of functioning in people with PD following treatment including:

• Increased vocal loudness
• Improved articulation and speech intelligibility
• Improved intonation
• Improvements in facial expression

How Does LSVT Work?

Treatment occurs over the course of 4-6 weeks. Each week, patients will participate in 2-4 session, lasting up to 60 minutes each. Patients will be encouraged to perform exercises daily at home and practice the techniques learned in clinic when not attending sessions.