You are most likely familiar with the research on LSVT LOUD® and LSVT BIG® which has shown both short term and long-term improvements in functional communication, mobility, balance and activities of daily living to name a few. Although the motor symptoms of Parkinson disease (PD) are targeted through the LSVT programs, as LSVT BIG clinicians, we know that we are simultaneously addressing the non-motor symptoms (NMS) as well, which can be barriers to calibration. These NMS include cognitive changes, sensory deficits, anxiety, depression, apathy, fatigue, pain, and sleep. Additionally, the non-motor symptoms of bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction can commonly occur, but may be less frequently discussed when the person is coming to see us for LSVT BIG.
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Speech treatment for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) was previously unsuccessful. An approach, called LSVT LOUD, was developed in the late 1980s. At that time, LSVT LOUD was substantially different from traditional speech treatment in several ways. This article reviewed the novel concepts of this approach. These included a single focus on vocal loudness, intensive delivery, sensory retraining, and a simple and redundant treatment cue, “speak loud”.
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Read our research Kudos! This study provided the first evidence that individuals with PD who used the LSVTCompanion had treatment gains comparable to individuals who received the standard in-person LSVT LOUD.
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Join us in congratulating Dr. Lorraine Ramig who has been selected to be one of the recipients of the WPC Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Parkinson Community. This award will be presented at the World Parkinson Congress in Kyoto, Japan on June 5th, 2019.
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Children with cerebral palsy can have difficulties talking with their family and friends. We studied the effects of a novel intensive speech treatment in five children with cerebral palsy. Our results demonstrated a number of findings post-treatment. First, it showed that the children could tolerate the intensive treatment. Second, listeners rated speech samples of the children as louder, clearer and easier to understand. For most kids, these improvements were maintained six weeks after treatment. Parents also reported some improvements in speech outside of the treatment room.
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Read our research Kudos! In this first post, learn more about the scientific bases of LSVT LOUD! The evidence provided by this 1995 study formed the foundation for the next 20 years of our research in speech treatment for Parkinson disease. We will be posting research Kudos weekly for Better Hearing and Speech Month.
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I have seen the incredible results of the LSVT BIG with numerous clients over the course of my fieldwork experiences. Based on my experiences, I believe that participation in the individualized LSVT BIG program first to recalibrate the sensory-motor system prior to participation in community-based group exercise is the most beneficial way to maximize outcomes and enhance functional performance.
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