Life-changing voice and movement therapy for people living with Parkinson’s disease is becoming more widely known and used.
Because people who have Parkinson’s disease tend to take short steps, have reduced arm movement when walking, speak more quietly and have less facial expression, therapies called LSVT Loud and LSVT Big are important treatments.
“LSVT Loud is considered the gold standard for speech treatment for people with Parkinson’s,” says Amanda Kirkland, speech-language pathologist at Good Samaritan Society – Davenport in Iowa.
Maintaining quality of life is a key factor for people considering LSVT treatment.
“Early intervention is especially helpful,” says Christa Ahrens, senior physical therapist at Good Samaritan Society – Specialty Care Community in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. “But people even at later stages can still see improvements and have the program exercises modified for them.”
How LSVT works
LSVT options benefit Parkinson’s patients in two ways. The LSVT Loud component trains them to use a stronger voice at a normal loudness level while LSVT Big helps them learn to move their body more regularly.
LSVT Loud originally started as LSVT, which stands for Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. Lee Silverman was the first patient of Dr. Lorraine Ramig, who was interested in finding a way to improve speech for people with Parkinson’s. As a result, the LSVT program began in 1987. It eventually became known as LSVT Loud. It was later expanded to include physical and occupational therapy, with a program called LSVT Big.
“Key to the treatment is helping people adjust their perception so they know how loud or soft they sound to other people and can feel comfortable using a stronger voice at a typical loudness level,” says Amanda.
LSVT Big focuses on movement. The idea behind this program is for patients to think big when moving.
“With this treatment, we’re focused on helping patients stay active and independent and helping them think about the activities that matter most to them,” says Christa. “Helping them feel more in control of their body can have a positive impact on their outlook and overall quality of life.”
Both treatments give patients sensory feedback and recalibration to help them recognize when they are speaking softly or making small movements.
“Each member of our team brings their own ideas and expertise to help patients feel encouraged and supported while living with Parkinson’s. We try to collaborate as a group with speech, OT and PT involved when possible so that patients feel supported,” Christa says.
Patients receive one-on-one sessions of LSVT Big and Loud treatment four times a week for four weeks, with periodic tune-up sessions later.
“It’s unique compared to a traditional therapy program in that it’s highly intensive and very structured,” says Christa. “Afterward, we can refer people to community exercise programs and groups.”
How it benefits patients
Christa and Amanda and their teams have witnessed positive results after patients received LSVT Loud and LSVT Big treatment at their respective Good Samaritan locations.
“With one patient, it was great to see the progress that was made increasing his functional communication with staff and other residents. It gave nurses the ability to hear him, and helped him with the ability to order his lunch. He had a friend who would come to visit and he was able to converse with him,” says Amanda.
When their physical movements improve, patients can more easily dress themselves, cook and write.
“A lot of people report that their day-to-day living is easier, so different levels of people living with Parkinson’s can benefit,” Christa says.
Christa and Amanda and their teams strive to provide the best care possible to patients.
“I think it’s really rewarding to see that you can make a real difference in someone’s quality of life and their confidence, and them feeling more hopeful and capable,” says Christa.
“Anything we can do to help with quality of life and communication is very beneficial to them and rewarding to us,” says Amanda.
And, the more invested a patient is in their treatment, the more successful their results.
“Parkinson's can feel like an overwhelming diagnosis for people, but different therapies can help them stay active, maintain their independence and empower them to be more confident,” Christa says.
