Improvements in voice and communication following LSVT LOUD have been documented to last for as long as two years after treatment. For LSVT BIG, research demonstrated improvements lasting at least 12 weeks beyond the end of the treatment. In both of these research studies, it is quite possible that the results for LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG lasted longer than two years or 12 weeks in some people, however, those were the endpoints of the study.
Clinically there is individual variability in how long treatment effects last from person to person. We teach our LSVT Certified Clinicians that they should expect LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG treatment effects to last at least six months in people with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease without any additional treatment. This is provided that participants keep up their LSVT exercises post-treatment.
To learn more about how to maintain treatment effects, watch our free On-Demand webinar entitled
Yes! We know that as with all exercise, regular practice is essential to maintain gains in function as well as physiological improvements in endurance, strength, balance, range of motion, confidence, and more. Just as people take daily doses of medicine to help manage their symptoms, it is just as important to take your daily dose of your LSVT BIG exercises to keep your movements big, and LSVT LOUD exercises to keep your voice strong. Generally, daily practice of the LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD exercises takes only 15-20 minutes, so it’s easy to fit it into even the busiest schedule.
This varies from person to person, so the best thing to do is discuss plans for regular follow-up with your LSVT Certified Clinician. In general, we recommend rechecks every 3-12 months, similar to a dental model of care. During these rechecks, your therapist may recommend a short “tune-up” of several LSVT BIG or LSVT LOUD sessions to address any changes which may have occurred.
Yes. There is a version of the program called the LSVT Coach Client Edition that you can purchase to use at home. Your LSVT LOUD clinician will program the software with your goals, so you get audio and visual feedback and instructions personalized to you.
Yes. There are community-based exercise classes that are designed for people who have completed individual LSVT treatment. BIG for LIFE is for LSVT BIG graduates and LOUD for LIFE is for LSVT LOUD graduates. These group exercises classes are designed to reinforce the key LSVT exercises as well as practice bigger movements and louder voices in fun, functional activities. The participants of the class are key to motivating group activities. Providers of BIG for LIFE or LOUD for LIFE classes can be found by searching our LSVT Clinician Directory.
If there are no such classes near you, we encourage you to enjoy other community-based exercise classes and activities. Put your bigger movements and/or louder voice into daily practice and reap the rewards of improved function, communication, and quality of life.
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