Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) for Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects more than one million people living in the United States. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, causing people affected to make smaller movements and decreases their ability to perform daily activities. For 89 percent of those with Parkinson's disease, the voice becomes soft, and speech becomes muffled and monotone. Exercise, specifically large-amplitude, whole-body movements, can assist in managing symptoms and improve quality of life.
What is LSVT LOUD?
LSVT LOUD was developed in 1986 as a standardized voice therapy program focused on regaining the ability to speak by improving quality, loudness and overall intelligibility of speech. It was developed by speech pathologists and researchers with the purpose of helping people with Parkinson's disease and other neurological conditions regain or maintain speech function.
• Our speech pathologists are certified in LSVT LOUD.
• The patient is taught to THINK LOUD and exercise the voice throughout the day within normal conversation and interaction.
• The goal is for the patient to use his or her louder voice “automatically” in daily communication, and there is long-term carryover.
What is LSVT BIG?
LSVT BIG is a newer development in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The focus of the treatment is on improving the quality and amplitude of movement with program-specific exercises that target the whole body.
• The primary focus is on making movements BIG.
• Physical therapists and occupational therapists are certified in LSVT BIG.
• The patient is taught to THINK BIG and exercise throughout the day within normal activities.
• The patient is empowered to change the way he or she moves.
LSVT BIG AND LOUD Programs
LSVT BIG and LOUD are complete, standardized programs supported by research and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They are specialized, one-on-one treatments with certified therapists. St. Francis Campus has a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists to provide LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD therapies.
LSVT BIG is ideal for:
• Individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease who can tolerate exercise for at least one hour per day, four days a week
• Highly motivated individuals who can perform daily activities with little to moderate difficulty
• For best results, LSVT should be incorporated into treatment at time of diagnosis rather than waiting until loss of function is pronounced
LSVT LOUD is ideal for:
• Individuals with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease who can tolerate exercise for at least one hour per day, four days a week
• Highly motivated individuals who wish to improve or maintain speech that is of good quality
Inpatient/outpatient Pre-BIG and LOUD Programs
The pre-BIG and LOUD inpatient and outpatient programs can be used as a stepping stone for the LSVT BIG and LOUD programs. The inpatient program is designed for people who are:
• Unable to complete daily activities without the physical assistance from another person
• Screened by a physical therapist/occupational therapist and are documented to have potential for improvement
• Able to tolerate three hours of daily therapy during an inpatient stay on the rehabilitation unit; must have a need for physical therapy and/or occupational therapy to qualify for the inpatient program.
• If appropriate, the speech pathologist will assess speech function and swallow function; speech therapy will then be included as part of the three hours of daily therapy
Outpatient Pre-BIG and LOUD Program
This is a less intense form of LSVT BIG and LOUD and is recommended for people who are:
• Unable to complete daily activities without physical assistance from another person
• Not able to tolerate the hour long sessions four days a week
For more information about the LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD programs, please contact us at 785-295-8025.
