Abstract
This critically appraised topic (CAT) was completed to determine the effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG on improving gait speed in adults with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is currently estimated that around 10 million people worldwide have been diagnosed and are living with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Individuals with this disease can experience a wide range of motor and non-motor symptoms, but the most common and most telling include bradykinesia, rigidity, and tremors. Bradykinesia, specifically, can cause small, slower movements which can affect an individual’s gait speed. A slower gait speed may then make it more difficult to complete valued occupations which may lead to a decrease in participation and overall quality of life. Following the intensive protocol of LSVT-Big may help restore and improve big movements and amplitudes which may also help restore and improve gait speed. Gait speed is involved in many occupations that involve moving around, so improving gait speed may increase participation in activities and overall quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease. Participating in LSVT-Big may also slow the progression of the disease and allow the individual to stay more independent longer. The findings from this critically appraised topic suggest that completing the LSVT-Big standardized protocol may improve gait speed in adults with Parkinson’s disease; however, further randomized control trials with larger sample sizes are needed to provide stronger evidence.