Effects of LSVT-BIG via telerehabilitation on non-motor and motor symptoms and quality of life in Parkinson's disease

The effects of standard and modified LSVT BIG therapy protocols on balance and gait in Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT) BIG is an exercise program developed for patients with Parkinson's disease (PwPD), consisting of sets of exercises performed for 4 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks. However, the standard protocol suggests a treatment frequency difficult to follow for most patients who have difficulties reaching rehabilitation clinics. Our aim was to compare the standard LSVT BIG protocol with a modified LSVT (m-LSVT) BIG protocol (twice a week in the clinic for 4 weeks and twice a week at home for 4 weeks).

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 16 PwPD (aged 18-80 years, Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III) were recruited into two groups. The LSVT group received standard LSVT BIG training (four times per week for 4 weeks at the clinic). The other group was given m-LSVT BIG exercises, but unlike the LSVT group, the m-LSVT group exercised twice a week at the clinic and twice a week at home for 4 weeks. The Berg Balance Scale was used to assess functional balance. Biodex Balance System was used to assess laboratory balance measures. Timed Up and Go test and G-Walk sensor system were used to assess functional mobility and spatiotemporal gait analysis.

RESULTS

Significant group-by-time interactions on the eyes open-firm surface score of the modified clinical test of sensory integration of balance (F = 10.138, p = .007) and gait cycle symmetry index (F = 10.470, p = .010) were found to be in favor of the LSVT group. Additionally, post hoc analyses revealed that both groups significantly improved postural stability, gait speed, motor symptoms, and functional mobility (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The results revealed the beneficial effects of the modified protocol on balance and gait in PwPD, as well as the superiority of the standard LSVT BIG protocol. The m-LSVT BIG protocol may be an effective intervention method, especially for PwPD who have difficulty adapting to the treatment frequency of the standard protocol.

Remote Delivery of Allied Health Therapies in Parkinson's Disease

Remote delivery of allied health therapies has long been possible, but adoption has been limited in some disciplines until relatively recently. The COVID-19 pandemic drove dramatic increases in use of remote delivery within allied health. This review summarizes the latest evidence on remotely-delivered physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy and discusses associated challenges and opportunities.

Quality of Life in Patients With Parkinson's Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) suffer from a range of physical, psychological, and social problems. The disease affects the quality of life (QOL) of the affected person. Several factors contribute to QOL, and these factors should be examined to develop appropriate strategies. This study aimed to determine the factors related to QOL in patients with PD. A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted using a tool with strong validity and reliability (39-Item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39)) to assess the quality of life. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, and non-parametric chi-square tests were applied to evaluate the relationship between QOL and the variables. Frequent hospital admissions, level of education, and marital status were among the factors that affected QOL. The ability to perform Ramadan fasting correlated with the degree of QOL. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has adversely affected the quality of life due to changes in access to medical care and medications. To improve QOL in patients with PD, a comprehensive approach is required in many healthcare domains that includes physiotherapy together with the conventional pharmacotherapy, other treatments, and psychological support.