A study published in The BMJ has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT LOUD) for people with Parkinson’s disease, showing it to be more beneficial than conventional NHS therapy or no therapy. New research reveals that the Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT LOUD) significantly improves speech and communication for Parkinson’s patients more than standard NHS treatments or no therapy, with noted benefits in life quality despite some reported vocal strain. An intensive voice treatment developed in the USA and known as the Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT LOUD) is more effective than conventional NHS speech and language therapy or no therapy for people with Parkinson’s disease, finds a trial published today (July 10) in The BMJ .
The researchers say the results emphasize the need to optimize the use of speech and language therapy resources for people with Parkinson’s disease. Slurred or slow speech (known as dysarthria) is a common feature of Parkinson’s disease and can have a significant effect on communication, potentially leading to stigmatization, social isolation, and reduced quality of life. NHS speech and language therapy or Lee Silverman voice treatment (LSVT LOUD) are two approaches available in the UK, but evidence of their effectiveness is inconclusive.
Study Design and Initial Findings To address this, researchers set out to assess the clinical effectiveness of these two speech and language therapy approaches versus no .
