Efficacy of LSVT-LOUD Therapy on Voice, Speech, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease often causes speech and voice impairments, such as reduced vocal loudness and decreased speech intelligibility, which significantly impact the quality of life for patients and their families. The Lee Silverman Voice Therapy-LOUD (LSVT-LOUD) is a specialized, evidence-based speech therapy protocol designed to improve vocal function. This study investigates the effectiveness of the LSVT-LOUD protocol in Turkish-speaking individuals with Parkinson's disease. The research evaluates objective changes in vocal loudness and speech quality, as well as the subjective therapy experiences of participants. By analyzing both clinical outcomes and patient feedback, this study aims to contribute to the clinical application and adaptation of LSVT-LOUD for the Turkish-speaking population

Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease (Hoehn and Yahr stages I-III). Age: Individuals aged 40-80 years. Language: Native Turkish speakers. Cognitive Status: Sufficient cognitive function to participate in therapy (e.g., Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24). Communication: Presence of voice or speech impairment (e.g., hypophonia, reduced intelligibility) as confirmed by a speech-language pathologist. Stability: Stable medication regimen for at least 1 month prior to the study initiation. Exclusion Criteria: Neurological Comorbidities: Presence of other significant neurological disorders (e.g., stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis) or active voice disorders (e.g., vocal cord nodules, laryngeal cancer). Hearing Impairment: Uncorrected hearing loss that would interfere with speech assessment or therapy. Cognitive Impairment: Diagnosis of dementia or severe cognitive impairment that prevents participation in the intensive LSVT-LOUD protocol. Recent Surgery: History of laryngeal surgery or deep brain stimulation (DBS) within the last 6 months. Therapy History: Previous experience with LSVT-LOUD or intensive speech therapy within the past year.