Effects of LSVT BIG ® on Bradykinesia During Activities of Daily Living

Abstract

Bradykinesia in Parkinson’s disease (PD) can limit activities of daily living (ADL) through disruption of roles and routines. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT BIG) is a commonly used program for persons with PD but it is not known if LSVT BIG can impact bradykinesia. This preliminary study sought to determine if LSVT BIG participation would impact bradykinesia during ADL. Sixty patient charts were reviewed following participation in the LSVT BIG program. Time to perform three functional tasks was recorded before and after participation. A significant decrease in time, on average, of 14.5 s to don/doff a jacket (p = .009), 18.3 s to don/doff socks (p = .01), and 21.4 s to insert a pillow into a pillowcase (p < .01) was observed. Speed of performance during three ADL tasks improved significantly following LSVT BIG participation; therefore, this program may positively impact bradykinesia and task performance in Parkinson’s.

Plain Language Summary

Increasing Speed of Movement in Parkinson’s Disease

Background: People with Parkinson’s disease (PD) often experience slow movements (called bradykinesia) that make everyday activities harder, such as getting dressed or doing chores. A therapy program called Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT BIG) is designed to help people with PD move better, but it is unclear if it specifically helps with increasing the speed of movement. Purpose: This study aimed to find out if LSVT BIG could help people with PD complete everyday tasks more quickly. What We Did: We looked at the medical records of 60 people who completed the LSVT BIG program. We measured how long it took them to do three tasks—putting on and taking off a jacket, putting on and taking off socks, and putting a pillow into a pillowcase—both before and after the program. What We Found: After finishing LSVT BIG, people completed the tasks significantly faster: They saved an average of 14.5 s putting on/taking off a jacket. They saved 18.3 s putting on/taking off socks. They saved 21.4 s inserting a pillow into a pillowcase. Conclusion: The LSVT BIG program helped people with Parkinson’s move faster during these everyday activities, suggesting it can improve bradykinesia and make daily life easier.

Keywords

activities of daily living Parkinson’s disease occupational therapy functional outcomes bradykinesia

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