Parkinson’s / LSVT BIG
LSVT BIG is a research-based exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions. It trains bigger movements, and PAR Physical Therapy delivers it in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, as 16 individual one-hour sessions over four weeks.
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BIG exercise for Parkinson’s disease
LSVT BIG developed from the principles of LSVT LOUD, a Parkinson’s-specific speech treatment. The LSVT programs have been developed and researched over the past 20 years with funding from the National Institutes of Health, and research on LSVT BIG has documented improved ratings on tests of motor function in people with Parkinson’s disease.
It trains people to use bigger movements anywhere, anytime in daily living, and teaches them they have to keep moving and stay active. Research suggests you should not wait for disability, impaired function or loss of balance before you start exercise-based physical therapy.
How the program is set up
The schedule
- 16 sessions
- 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks
- Individual one-hour sessions
Between sessions
- Daily homework practice
- Daily carry-over exercises
What it trains, and what it may improve
One target: amplitude
Bigger movements, with intensive, high-effort practice.
The right amount of effort
It teaches the effort needed to produce normal-size movements and carries bigger movements into everyday activities.
Improvements documented in research
Faster walking with bigger steps, improved balance and increased trunk rotation.
Who else can LSVT BIG help
The strongest research is for Parkinson’s disease. It is often used with people who have:
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Corticobasal degeneration
- Multiple system atrophy
- Lewy body dementia
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Ataxia
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Down syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Balance and voice changes related to aging
Questions about starting LSVT BIG
What stage of Parkinson’s disease can it help?
People at all stages can be helped. Ideally treatment begins soon after diagnosis and once medications are stable, in an effort to help slow the functional decline that occurs as the disease progresses, but it is never too late to begin.
Who delivers the program?
LSVT BIG is delivered by physical therapists or occupational therapists certified in LSVT BIG. At PAR it is delivered by our certified physical therapists.
What is the role of family?
In more advanced stages, caregiver cueing to “think BIG” becomes essential. People learn to move BIG in therapy, and others can support them with reminders and help with home exercises.
How does it connect to other care?
See Parkinson’s disease for the condition, and fall prevention and balance and gait training for related work.
Related care
LSVT BIG in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet
Call either clinic or request an appointment. We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
We see patients in Myrtle Beach and Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.
Request an Appointment Call Myrtle Beach Call Murrells Inlet