Comparative Study to Check the Effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG Technique versus Balance Training to Improve Balance in Patients with Parkinson's Disease

Poorva Wadhwa

Abstract: Introduction: Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have progressive impairments in balance and walking function. Patients exhibit a delayed, reduced postural response when standing in order to regain stability from balance disturbances. Patients take small, shuffling steps with increased stride-to-stride variability when walking. Impaired balance and walking function increase the patient's risk of falling and have a significant impact on their quality of life. The purpose of the study is to provide with an integrative overview of the rationale for and efficacy of balance training and the LSVT BIG to enhance balance in people with Parkinson's disease. Method: It is a comparative research which included 40 Parkinson's disease patients, of which 20 received LSVT-BIG therapy and 20 received balance training, chosen randomly. Prior to beginning the program, a comprehensive balance assessment was performed using BBS. The patients were then given 16 individual 1-hour sessions (four times a week for four weeks). The balance performance of both groups was re-analysed at the end of each week using BBS. Result: Intragroup analysis of both the groups showed significant difference in pre and post test data, hence showed the effectiveness of both the interventions in improving balance of Parkinson?s patients. Intergroup analysis indicated that Group A, which underwent LSVT BIG therapy, showed significantly greater improvement in balance compared to Group B, which received conventional balance training. This conclusion is based on the quantitative measures obtained from the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). These results suggest that LSVT BIG therapy is more effective in improving balance in Parkinson?s Disease patients than traditional balance training methods. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that LSVT BIG therapy is significantly more effective in improving balance in patients with Parkinson?s Disease compared to conventional balance training, as evidenced by the superior gains in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) scores in Group A. These findings highlight the potential of LSVT BIG therapy to enhance stability and reduce fall risk in this patient population. Consequently, incorporating LSVT BIG into therapeutic regimens for Parkinson?s Disease patients may lead to better balance outcomes and improved overall quality of life.

Keywords: Parkinson's disease, balance training, LSVT BIG therapy, postural control, fall prevention