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Parkinson’s Rehabilitation
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PLEASE CHECK BACK FREQUENTLY FOR UPDATES.
LSVT BIG® Therapy and LSVT LOUD® Therapy
Exercise programs for patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions.
What Is LSVT BIG®?
For people with Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions, LSVT BIG® therapy offers clinically-proven methods for improving communication and movement. It is an exercise program aimed at enhancing speed, balance and quality of life by progressively increasing the amplitude of limb and body movements (“bigness”). It was developed specifi cally to address the unique movement impairments of people with Parkinson’s.
How Does It Work?
- 16 individual sessions: four 60-minute sessions per week
- High effort – multiple repetitions of whole body “BIG” functional movements.
- Progressive – moving from simple movements to more complex, functional tasks
- Continuous exercise – BIG movements are incorporated into daily situations
- Motivating – practice meaningful tasks and learn to be aware of the effort required for bigger, better movements.
- Home exercise program
Post-Training
Upon completion of LSVT BIG® training, “tune-ups” are recommended every three months to sustain motivation, assure adherence to the home exercise program and increase daily functional abilities.
Research funded by the National Institute of Health has shown LSVT BIG® to improve whole body functional movements for up to three months after treatment, including:
- Faster walking with bigger steps
- Better balance
- Improved trunk rotation
What is LSVT LOUD®?
LSVT LOUD® is a voice program that focuses on one speech target with the goal of enhancing many levels of speech production, including voice, articulation and breath support. Given the simple task of THINK LOUD, this program offers clinically proven methods to improve the amplitude of the voice so patients are once again able to communicate with confidence.
How Does It Work?
- 16 individual sessions : four 60-minute sessions per week
- High effort – multiple repetitions of speech and voice tasks including functional phrases
- Progressive – moving from a functional hierarchy of word production to phrases, sentences and conversation
- Continuous practice – THINK LOUD tasks are incorporated into daily functional situations
- Motivating – Patients practice meaningful tasks specifi c to them and learn to be aware of the effort required for a louder, more confident voice
- Home exercise program
Post-Training
Six months after completion of the LSVT LOUD® training, one or two “tune up” sessions may be needed.
Research also suggests that you shouldn’t wait until you experience a decline in functional activity to begin an exercise program.
How To Get Started
A referral (prescription) is required from your doctor or other primary care provider for an initial evaluation by our certified LSVT BIG® or certified LSVT LOUD® therapist.
LSVT BIG®
Contact: Sarah Serkosky, DPT
Wayne Memorial Hospital
(570) 253-8627 or serkoskys@wmh.org
LSVT LOUD®
Contact: Heather Ceccarelli, MS, CCC-SLP
Wayne Memorial Hospital
(570) 253-7325 or ceccarellih@wmh.org
“BIG was a great program for me. I went for about five weeks, and I was able to walk the halls – and more afterwards.” – Lena Bryan, Dingman’s Ferry, PA
