Comparing exercise in Parkinson's disease-the Berlin BIG Study (original) (raw)

Physiotherapy is widely used in Parkinson's disease (PD), but there are few controlled studies comparing active interventions. Recently, a technique named ''LSVT 1 BIG'' has been introduced. LSVT 1 BIG is derived from the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment and focuses on intensive exercising of high-amplitude movements. In the present comparative study, 60 patients with mild to moderate PD were randomly assigned to receive either one-to-one training (BIG), group training of Nordic Walking (WALK), or domestic nonsupervised exercises (HOME). Patients in training (BIG) and WALK received 16 hours of supervised training within 4 (BIG) or 8 (WALK) weeks. The primary efficacy measure was difference in change in Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score from baseline to fol-low-up at 16 weeks between groups. UPDRS scores were obtained by blinded video rating. ANCOVA showed significant group differences for UPDRS-motor score at final assessment (P < 0.001). Mean improvement of UPDRS in BIG was 25.05 (SD 3.91) whereas there was a mild deterioration of 0.58 (SD 3.17) in WALK and of 1.68 (SD 5.95) in HOME. LSVT 1 BIG was also superior to WALK and HOME in timed-up-and-go and timed 10 m walking. There were no significant group differences for quality of life (PDQ39). These results provide evidence that LSVT 1 BIG is an effective technique to improve motor performance in patients with PD.

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