LSVT

Innovative therapy solution helps improve patient’s movements

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic movement disorder with symptoms that can include tremors, balance problems, coordination problems, difficulty walking, and stiffness.  Untreated, these symptoms will continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with Parkinson’s disease, according to the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation.

Fortunately, there continues to be great hope for people with Parkinson’s Disease despite the disease’s progressive nature.  Research supports the use of exercise to delay the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  Studies have also shown that people with this disease must exercise intensely and frequently for the best physical function to occur.  Akron General Edwin Shaw Rehabilitation now offers Physical, Occupational and Speech therapy that use these research proven concepts in a protocol that has shown to improve the movement and voice of people with Parkinson’s Disease.

The programs are called LSVT BIG™ (Physical and Occupational Therapy for movement) and LSVT LOUD^TM (Speech Therapy for voice) Both programs use high-intensity, high-amplitude exercise to increase normal movement or speech, and repetitive practice to increase the patient’s ability to carry over the improved movement and speech. LSVT BIG™ was developed to specifically address the unique movement impairments for people with Parkinson disease.

LSVT BIG™ has been researched extensively with results revealing clinically significant improvements in motor control, gait quality, balance and trunk rotation after the participants complete the program. Research shows that participants who participate in LSVT BIG™ have more improvements with longer lasting results in the areas previously listed than alternative therapies including traditional physical therapy, a walking program, and a home exercise program.

LSVT LOUD^TM   is the first speech treatment with level 1 evidence and established efficacy for treating voice and speech disorders in individuals with Parkinson ’s disease, with application to other neurological disorders.  LSVT LOUD^TMimproves both the voice and speech of participants by treating the underlying physical pathology associated with the disordered voice.  Treatment focuses on improving vocal loudness and immediate carryover into daily communication enabling patients to maintain and/or improve oral communication.  90% of patients improve vocal loudness from pre to post treatment.  Approximately 80% of patients maintain treatment improvements in their voice for 12-24 months post treatment.

For LSVT BIG^TM, the sessions are carried out by physical or occupational therapists who have been trained and certified.  Participants should obtain a written referral from their doctor. LSVT BIG™ meets for one-hour sessions, four times per week for one month.

For LSVT LOUD^TM   , the sessions are provided by certified LSVT speech-language pathologists.  Participants should obtain a written referral from their doctor.  LSVT LOUD^TM   is administered on an intensive schedule of 16 individual, 60 minute sessions over four weeks.

Those who suffer from other degenerative or chronic neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, may also benefit from LSVT BIG™.

For more information on LSVT BIG™ and LSVT LOUD^TM    or to schedule an appointment, please call 330-436-0913.

How to Begin LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD [PDF]
LSVT BIG Certified Therapists [PDF]