LSVT BIG Therapy: A Treatment Protocol for Patient’s with Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a motor system disorder that currently affects over 1 million Americans. Approximately 60,000 American’s are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. Parkinson’s disease is a result of a loss of dopamine containing neurons within the brain leading to several motor disorders including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), hypokinesia (decreased movement) and postural instability. These symptoms lead to loss of balance, decreased ability to walk and talk, and increased risk of falling. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease but there is a newer therapy treatment protocol that helps directly fight the movement impairments for people with Parkinson’s disease. That treatment protocol is called LSVT BIG.
What is LSVT BIG?
LSVT BIG is a treatment protocol specifically designed to fight the pathophysiologic mechanisms of bradykinesia and hypokinesia. Formed from the principals of LSVT LOUD, a voice therapy protocol, LSVT BIG is an amplitude specific training protocol that focuses on improving movement size, speed, and accuracy through intense practice and multiple repetitions of everyday functional movements. The movements used are functional and common with the ultimate goal of improving movement perception. Research on LSVT BIG has demonstrated improved motor function in people with Parkinson’s Disease following treatment. Improvements include: faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance, increased trunk rotation, decrease risk of falling, and overall increased quality of life.
What does the protocol entail?
The Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy are specially trained and certified to administer this protocol. Treatment is administered in 16 sessions over a single month. The first half of each session focuses on multiple repetitions of large movements and the remainder of each session focuses on doing functional movements with that “bigness effort” (getting out of bed, putting on a coat, or going from sitting to standing). As the patient progresses through the program, difficulty and intensity is increased. The protocol is specifically designed for each individual patient’s needs and goals.
Why Should I Try LSVT BIG:
- Improve your balance and decrease your risk of falling
- Walk with greater confidence
- Return to the activities you love and care about
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!