Comparison of the effects of lee silverman voice treatment on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with parkinson disease

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT-BIG) exercises, applied in addition to conventional rehabilitation, on motor and non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease patients compared to those receiving only conventional rehabilitation. The study involved 28 volunteers diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD) in Hoehn-Yahr Stages 1-3, who were divided into LSVT-BIG (n=14) and control groups (n=14). Prior to participation, volunteers were examined and referred by a physician. Patients were evaluated for balance using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), dynamic balance using the Mini-BEST Test, functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), quality of life using the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39), depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and anxiety using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) before and after treatment. All patients received treatment 4 days a week for 6 weeks. Both groups underwent 20 minutes of electrical stimulation, strengthening, range of motion, and balance exercises, with the LSVT-BIG group additionally receiving maximal daily exercises (7 standard exercises), functional component tasks, big walking, and hierarchical tasks selected according to functional goals. After treatment, the LSVT-BIG group showed statistically significant greater improvements in BBS, Mini-BEST Test, TUG, and PDQ-39 results compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, for the depression assessment using BDI, the control group was found to be superior. No statistically significant difference was found between the experimental and control groups in the anxiety assessment. The results of the study indicate that LSVT-BIG training, focused on large amplitude movements, is effective in improving motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease.