LSVT BIG - An exercise based approach to treating symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million individuals in the United States and 10 million individuals worldwide. It is a progressive disorder of the nervous system mainly affecting an individual’s motor functions. Parkinson’s disease generally affects individuals over the age of 50, but it can affect younger individuals. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown and there is no cure, but there are ways to slow the deficits in motor functions that occur.
Deficits in motor functions occur first and progressively get worse over the course of the disease. Tremors are one of the first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that individuals notice. They commonly occur at rest and are known as pill rolling tremors. Slow movement, reduced amplitude of movement, postural instability and rigidity are other common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Changes in gait also occurs causing individuals to ambulate with a shuffling festinating gait pattern. This can cause issues with an individual’s balance and increase their fall risk. Non-motor functions are affected as well with these individuals and can cause depression, dementia, sensory changes, sleeping disorders and emotional changes.
There are many treatment options an individual can consider when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. One that our clinic provides is an exercise based program called LSVT BIG. It is specifically designed to treat specific symptoms related to deficits in movement patterns. The goal is to teach individuals with Parkinson’s disease to carryover and sustain bigger movements in their daily activities. The latest research regarding LSVT BIG shows improved motor function with individuals when this program is started during the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease. (www.hindawi.com/journals/rerp/2017/9871070)
If you or someone you know is interested in this program, contact our clinic for more information at 308-784-2231.
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