LSVT LOUD and LSVT BIG have a standardized minimum treatment dosage (or schedule). Each treatment protocol consists of the following:
- 60-minute, individual treatment sessions
- Treatment sessions are four consecutive days a week for four consecutive weeks
- Daily homework practice (10-20 minutes a day) all 30 days of the month
- Daily carryover assignments all 30 days of the month
This dosage is validated by years of research on the LSVT protocols as well as research on motor learning and neuroplasticity, which support intensive training for lasting results. LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD protocols are always delivered at this minimum dosage.
Treatment sessions are 60 minutes in duration. This amount of time is required to complete all of the voice or movement core exercises, functional speech or task training, and sensory recalibration.
No. The LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD protocols are always delivered at a dosage of one-hour sessions, four consecutive days per week for four consecutive weeks. There are some patients who may need additional treatment sessions as prescribed by their therapists (e.g., more advanced Parkinson’s disease), but not less. There are also guidelines that LSVT Certified Clinicians learn, which allow them to manage unexpected interruptions to therapy, such as illness.
No. It is important to prepare for LSVT therapy prior to starting treatment and scheduling is one piece of that preparation. We recommend looking ahead at your schedule and finding the time when you can commit fully to the 16 sessions (one month) of treatment. This will ensure you have optimal treatment success.
If there are perceived barriers to receiving LSVT LOUD or LSVT BIG at the prescribed dosage, such as transportation, scheduling, or insurance, please discuss them with your therapist to discover possible solutions or other therapy options. For LSVT LOUD, your therapist may also discuss options with you, such as the use of the LSVT Coach Software System, or telehealth that might enhance the accessibility of treatment.
For more information, watch our free On-Demand webinar titled
Overcoming Barriers to Accessing LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® Treatment
Yes. For LSVT LOUD there is established research that has documented LSVT LOUD delivered via telehealth (telemedicine, telepractice are other terms commonly used) is as effective as LSVT LOUD delivered face-to-face in a clinic. In our LSVT Clinician Directory, you can locate speech therapists who deliver LSVT LOUD via telehealth by the additional designation of “LSVT eLOUD” trained. Telehealth practice for LSVT BIG is newer and has limited research at this time, but can be offered by therapists when appropriate.
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