•  
  •  

ScholarWorks > HHS > OT > OJOT > Vol. 14 > Iss. 4 (2026)

 

Credentials Display

Sandra J. Allen, OTD, OTR/L, MHSc, CHT; Madison Gumm, B.A., MOTS; Donald Stapleton, B.S., MOTS; Lexee Trainer B.A., MOTS; Lydia Workman, B.S., MOTS

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) leads to motor decline and reduced occupational performance. Limited evidence addresses if gains from the LSVT BIG® are sustained, particularly in occupation-focused outcomes.

Objective: This single-subject study evaluated the effects of the LSVT BIG® on occupational performance and functional skill outcomes in a 69-year-old woman with PD, and whether improvements were sustained 8 weeks postintervention.

Methods: The participant completed 16 1-hr LSVT BIG® sessions over 4 weeks. Outcomes included the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), the Performance Assessment of Self-Care Skills (PASS), the Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSTS), and the Functional Reach Test (FRT). Assessments occurred at baseline, immediately postintervention, and 8-week follow-up. Data were analyzed using visual analysis and comparison to established clinical significance thresholds.

Results: The COPM scores for performance improved from 4.4 to 7.4 and satisfaction from 5.0 to 7.4, with sustained gains at follow-up (7.6). The PASS scores improved from 2/3 to 3/3 across selected tasks. The FTSTS improved 34% from baseline (13.93s to 9.17s at follow-up). The FRT increased by 4.75 inches, exceeding clinically meaningful change.

Conclusion: Findings suggest the LSVT BIG® may improve and sustain both occupational performance and functional skills in PD. Larger studies with extended follow-up are warranted.

Comments

The authors declare that they have no competing financial, professional, or personal interest that might have influenced the performance or presentation of the work described in this manuscript.

Download

Share

COinS