Maddalena Castelletti^1*, Enrico Bernè¹, Gloria Crocetti² and Larissa Meani³

¹Professor, Nandha College of Physiotherapy, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University, India
²Nandha College of Physiotherapy, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University, India
³RVS College of Physiotherapy, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University, India

*Corresponding Author: Loganathan Thangavel, Professor, Nandha College of Physiotherapy, Erode, Tamilnadu, The Tamilnadu Dr.M.G.R. Medical University, India.

Received: July 21, 2026 Published: July 29, 2026

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease is the second most prevalent neuro degenerative disorder, primarily resulting dopamine deficiency. The condition progressively impairs dexterity, functional mobility, and facial expression, affecting both gross and fine motor skills required for daily activities such as dressing and feeding. Postural instability further contributes to unsteadiness and increased fall risk, particularly during turning, twisting, or gait initiation. Non-motor symptoms such as sensory deficits, anxiety, and excessive sweating are also common.

Method: Fifteen subjects meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected through randomized sampling. Each participant received Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG therapy on alternate days for 60 minutes per session, administered during their medication period. Gait performance was concurrently assessed.

Result: A repeated measures ANOVA was performed to evaluate the effect of time (pretest, midtest, and posttest) on dexterity and fall frequency using functional gait assessment scores. Significant main effects of time were observed for both dexterity and fall frequency, F(2,28) = 194.00 and F(2,28) = 141.00, p<0.001, indicating progressive improvement across assessments.

Conclusion: Post hoc paired t-tests revealed significant differences between all time points. Nine-Hole Peg Test (NHPT) times decreased, reflecting improved dexterity, while Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) scores increased, reflecting improved balance and reduced fall risk. Pretest scores were higher than midtest and posttest scores (t = 10.9, t = 15.8, p < 0.001), and midtest scores exceeded posttest scores (t = 14.2, p < 0.001). These findings demonstrate a statistically significant enhancement in dexterity and reduction in fall frequency among individuals with PD following the LSVT BIG therapy intervention.

Keywords: Parkinson’s Disease; Lee Silverman Voice Treatment; Motor Skill Disorders; Postural Balance; Rehabilitation Therapy

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Citation

Citation: Loganathan Thangavel., et al. “The Effectiveness of Lee Silverman Voice Treatment - Big Therapy for Improving Dexterity and Reducing Fall Frequency in Subjects with Mild to Moderate Case of Parkinson's Disease". Acta Scientific Neurology 9.8 (2026): 20-28.

Copyright

Copyright: ©2026 Loganathan Thangavel., et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.